I know this page was ‘modified’ from the original tips, but man, is there ever some bad advice on there. Such as:

Never apologize Most people wouldn’t have noticed the issues for which you’re apologizing—and it just sounds lame.

It’s lamer to leave your audience with information that is clearly wrong, conflicting, or gives the wrong idea. At best, they’ll be confused. Using ‘lame’ as an argument is lame though.

Do not use masculine pronouns—use plurals Even though it may not always be grammatically correct, you should say “they” instead of “him or her” and it will sound better—both because it’s shorter and because no one can be alienated. Why risk not communicating simply because someone may be sensitive?

The great irony here is that you ARE risking communicating, and the rational given is that some people might be sensitive. This rationale is even worse because it flies in the face of points like ‘respect your audience’ and ‘match your presentation to the level of the NYT’ given earlier.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cagxPlVqrtM

Don McMillan has better presentation tips.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cagxPlVqrtM

Here’s a clickable link.

@GeelWonder

Re: “Never apologise”

I’m not sure he means errors in fact. Of course, it there is something wrong, and it matters, then you correct it. I think he’s referring to things that don’t matter.

I’ve lost count of the number of people I have heard apologise for their presentation skills (especially just before they start), or for small technical issues. Just get on with it. People expect the occasional technical hitch, and probably didn’t notice your lack of presentation skills until you told them (and that just sets the wrong tone).

As far as masculine pronouns go, I’m English, and most of the people I know will use “they” to mean a singular person of unknown/irrelevant gender. I think that one is a stylistic issue, and is generally regarded as perfectly good grammar (on this side of the pond at least). I don’t do it consciously to avoid offending, that’s just how I, and everyone I know, talks.

I find the self-conscious use of “she” really annoying and pointless.

All the rest are spot on tips. Although best to avoid overdoing the water, lest you end up needing a slash half way through :o)

Paul

@AC

Love the YouTube link.

Thankfully I now work for a company which never has meetings, let alone powerpoint presentations.

Paul

“Drink enormous amounts of water”

I assumed this meant so that you limit your talk to the amount of time you can hold on without peeing.

Drink two or three pints of water right before going on, and the chances of you overstaying your welcome are slim!

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Not doing pre-emptive apologies is a good tactic. No need to call yourself out, in the name of intellectual honesty.

“Show your enthusiasm! Don’t hide behind a lectern. Use gestures. Walk around, directly engaging the audience.”

It’s easy to abuse the advice to “walk around.” Most presenters I’ve seen – particularly a lot of inexperienced stand-up comedians PACE the stage the entire time. It can become highly distracting and downright tiresome to watch.

Walk to a point, PLANT YOUR FEET, and deliver from there. Then walk to another point, and plant.

The “teacher trick” for handling a quiet crowd is to ask if there are questions and then wait until it feels uncomfortably silent…THEN count to 10.

Most people will speak to fill the void and if the “risk” of talking first has been removed then folks will generally open up!

It’s easy to abuse the advice to “walk around.” Most presenters I’ve seen – particularly a lot of inexperienced stand-up comedians PACE the stage the entire time. It can become highly distracting and downright tiresome to watch.

See McCain, John under Campaign Mistakes, 2008.