Judging by the thousands of business speakers I hear--pretty, pretty BORING!
Let's look at the top 5 most boring speaking sins:
1) "Thank you for giving me/us the opportunity to tell you about our solution." Would you actually say "we Don't appreciate the opportunity to talk to you today"? Of course not! Your very first words should tell them they are important--that what they aim to achieve each and every day is on your mind. That shows them appreciation far more than any statement of thanks.
2) "Our solution is world class, best in class or best value." These are judgment statements that only the audience has the right to make. You could talk about what makes a solution world class and then describe your solution in those terms. But the audience still gets to decide and if you make their decision for them, you're dismissed.
3) "We understand your problem/situation/challenges." This is typically followed by a lengthy dissertation about your understanding. I've never seen a slide that isn't chock full of jargon and generics. Instead, get right into a creative explanation of how you will help them achieve results. Let them say "yes, you do understand."
4) "I'm really a good presenter and I won't read my notes." This is said by the speaker as he/she is holding a sheaf of densely typed notes the night before the presentation. The only one you're fooling is yourself. If you haven't stripped out the prose and created a list of few key concepts or trigger words several days before you speak, you're going to read your notes and/or your bullets. You are not superman/woman and you won't overcome the lack of practice and rehearsals by wishing it will happen.
5) Writing content that would be great reading material. Writing for speaking is very different from writing for reading. Shorten your learning curve by starting with writing for speaking. This means short sentences in an active voice. Limit jargon or SME specific language. Know that persuasion is a people problem, not a facts/logic problem and learn what people respond to. Get a coach to help with your content. Great delivery becomes much easier when the content is audience-focused, includes what you are passionate and knowledgeable about and is easy for you to remember.
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