Dos and Don'ts of Presenting

Summary

In this video, Carl Quan introduces Walker Stone, a London-based communication program, and shares valuable tips for effective presentations based on their infographic. Key dos include practicing thoroughly, maintaining good eye contact with the audience, and using props to enhance the presentation. On the flip side, he emphasizes crucial don'ts, such as speaking too fast or slow, reading directly from slides, and relying on filler words like 'um.' Carl encourages viewers to be mindful of these habits, practice to break them, and engage confidently in their presentations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Practice is the most important part of a presentation. Without preparation, you're unlikely to present confidently.
• 😀 Eye contact is crucial in maintaining trust and engagement with your audience.
• 😀 Using props in your presentation can help break the monotony and keep the audience focused.
• 😀 Don't talk too fast or too slow. Speaking too fast indicates nervousness, while speaking too slowly can lose the audience's attention.
• 😀 Never read directly from your slides. Your audience can read them themselves.
• 😀 Avoid using filler words like 'um.' It's a bad habit that can be broken with practice and awareness.
• 😀 Confidence in your presentation will come from being well-prepared and practiced.
• 😀 When making eye contact, ensure you are connecting with multiple people in the audience, not just looking at one person.
• 😀 Props should be relevant and serve the purpose of enhancing your presentation rather than distracting from it.
• 😀 If you're unsure about your eye contact skills, consider watching a video on the subject to improve your delivery.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is about the dos and don'ts of presenting, which is shared through an infographic created by Walker Stone, a communications program.

What is the first 'do' mentioned in the video?

The first 'do' is the importance of practice. Practicing and preparing properly for a presentation is critical for confidence and delivering the message effectively.

Why is eye contact important during a presentation?

Eye contact is important because it helps build trust and engagement with the audience. Without it, the presenter may appear untrustworthy or disconnected.

What role do props play in a presentation?

Props are used to break up the monotony of a presentation and keep the audience engaged. They should be relevant and visually stimulating to maintain attention.

What is a common mistake to avoid regarding the speed of speaking?

A common mistake is speaking too fast or too slow. Speaking too fast can make you appear unprepared, while speaking too slowly may make the audience lose interest.

Why should presenters avoid reading directly from their slides?

Presenters should avoid reading from their slides because the audience can read the slides themselves. The presenter should engage with the audience and provide additional value beyond the written content.

What is the significance of eliminating the use of 'um' during a presentation?

Saying 'um' frequently can make the presenter seem unprepared or unsure. It is a habit that can be broken with practice and awareness, resulting in a smoother and more confident delivery.

How can a presenter improve their eye contact skills?

A presenter can improve their eye contact skills by consciously making an effort to look at different audience members during the presentation. Practicing in front of a mirror or recording oneself can also help.

What is the main takeaway from the 'dos' in the video?

The main takeaway from the 'dos' is that preparation, engagement through eye contact, and using props are key elements to delivering an effective and engaging presentation.

What does the video suggest about making a presentation more engaging?

The video suggests making a presentation more engaging by using visual aids, practicing thoroughly, maintaining eye contact, and avoiding reading directly from the slides.