Here are some tips for team innovative presentations from people who've been on both sides of the podium, so to speak (pardon the pun). Here are some common mistakes that are made in team presentations. In keeping with a positive spirit, the positive thing-to-do counter action is presented along with the common mistake to avoid.
| Avoid | Do |
|---|---|
| Stealing someone else's lines. | Repeat someone else's line for emphasis, citing the original speaker's name (as Marcus said … ). |
| Bringing more people than necessary. | Evaluate the role of each team member and eliminate overlap. |
| Dictating and forcing your opinions on others. | Express you own opinion firmly once and listen openly to the other side — if opinions should even be expressed about the matter at hand. |
| Frequently interrupting to add comments. | Take note of the comments you'd like to add and share them when the speaker has finished. Each speaker could ask if colleagues have anything to add before handing off to the next speaker. |
| Not adequately participating in planning meetings. | Decline taking on more responsibility than you have time for. Speak up if you aren't participating because there's a personality conflict. |
| Going in and out of the room while the presentation is live. | Leave the room only for an emergency. |
| Talking too softly and having low energy. | Before the meeting, take a brisk walk, do some deep breathing exercises, touch your toes to encourage your blood to circulate to your brain. |
| Delegating your presentation development to others. | Ask for help if you need it, otherwise, knuckle down and make the presentation your own. |
| Doing something other than watching the presenter. | Take notes to help channel your attention. |
| Refusing to rehearse, especially the dress rehearsal. | Remember this is a business presentation, not improv at open mic night. |
| Becoming annoyed at audience questions or comments | Consider them an opportunity to add insight and explanations about the presentation |
| Disagreeing with each other in front of audience. | Make necessary corrections politely, otherwise, make a note and discuss the problem with team members back at the office. |
| Trying to wing it or make up an answer you don't know. | Ask if another team member can address a question you don't know the answer to. If not, take a note and promise to follow up with an informed response. |
| Being inconsistent with information or commitments. | Make team agreements and review materials and data before the presentation. |
| "Studying" your notes right before you present. (It makes it look as if you're not fully prepared.) | Rehearse, rehearse, and then rehearse again, and use a presentation app that shows the presenter notes on your computer screen or tablet. |