Why Bad Presentations Happen To Good Causes

Based on research in the public interest sector and incorporating the advice of 20 public speaking experts, this guide is intended to help nonprofits avoid common mistakes when designing and giving presentations.

The ‘Fatal Five’ common mistakes:

1. Reading aloud from the slides or handouts.
2. Including far too much information. Focus on the key points.
3. Lack of audience interaction. Make use of the expertise that others in the room have by using Q&As, open discussions, and other techniques.
4. Lifeless presentation style, e.g. a flat voice. If you don’t seem interested in your own material, you will quickly lose the audience’s attention.
5. Preventable technical problems such as with equipment or air conditioning.