7 Mistakes to Avoid for a Happy Audience

If you want a happy audience, it’s vital to avoid key mistakes that many presenters make. Your audience wants your help and seeks comfort in your presence so they can relax in return.

1. Lack of Preparation

“Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.” Confucius

It’s clear when a presenter hasn’t done their homework. You won’t have a happy audience if you don’t know:

– Who they really are

– What they care about

– What keeps them awake at night

– How much they already know

– What they need

Whether you are updating your team, making a sales pitch, or presenting to the board, preparation is crucial. Without it, you can expect your audience to wonder:

– “So what?”

– “Why am I being told this?”

– “Does it matter?”

2. Wasting Their Time

“One of the few things that can’t be recycled is wasted time.”  Sean Covey

Have you ever attended a presentation where the speaker inundated you with information that you already knew or could easily Google? If so, you understand the frustration.

A happy audience won’t remain engaged if you waste their time.

3. Failing to Practice

“There are always three speeches: the one you practiced, the one you gave, and the one you wish you gave.”  Dale Carnegie

If you appear uncomfortable while presenting, your audience will feel uneasy too. Nervousness is natural, but practice is vital. It helps you become comfortable with your message and delivery, ensuring a happier audience.

4. Letting Ego Take Over

“Ego is false confidence; self-respect is true confidence.”  Naval Ravikant

A happy audience doesn’t want to hear just how wonderful you are. Make your presentation focus on them, not yourself.

5. Lack of Commitment

“If I committed myself to something, there’s nothing that could stop me from becoming President of the United States.”  Will Smith

If you’re not fully invested in your message, neither will your audience be. Show your commitment to your topic to foster audience engagement.

6. Being Boring

“Dead or alive, interesting people are interesting.” Noel Riley Fitch

Sitting through a boring presentation is a painful experience that many endure daily. To ensure a happy audience, create a presentation that is stimulating and engaging.

7. Reading Your Slides

“The only thing that consoles man for the stupid things he does is the praise he gives himself for doing them.”  Oscar Wilde

If your slides contain so much information that your audience has to read instead of listen, consider sending them an email. Never stand with your back to the audience reading your own slides; that’s a missed opportunity.

Creating a Happy Audience

To create a happy audience:

– Be prepared.

– Respect and value their time.

– Be comfortable.

– Make it about them, not you.

– Show commitment.

– Make it interesting.

– Avoid reading slides.

If you need help in getting a happy audience:

– Book yourself onto a powerful public speaking course.

– Invest in some really good one to one public speaking coaching.

– Get yourself some excellent presentation training

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