Do you ever find yourself in a presentation, unsure of whether to sit or stand or where to focus your gaze? Or do you wonder whether it’s okay to check your phone or take a sip of water while the speaker is presenting?
You’re not alone! When it comes to presenting, there can be a lot of confusion about what is considered polite and professional behavior.
That’s why we, as a presentation design agency, have compiled a comprehensive list of 35 presentation etiquette tips that cover everything from body language to slide design to audience interaction.
To make it easy, we’ve segregated the presentation etiquette into 3 categories i.e, preparation & delivery, audience engagement & technical & visual elements
1. Presentation Etiquette for Preparation and Delivery
Be respectful of the audience’s time by sticking to the scheduled start and end times.
Test your equipment, such as your projector and microphone, prior to your presentation to ensure that everything is working properly.
Don’t talk too fast or too slow. Speak at a moderate pace and enunciate your words clearly.
Use inclusive language and avoid making assumptions about your audience’s background or beliefs.
Avoid using filler words such as “um,” “ah,” and “like.” They can be distracting and make you sound unsure.
Avoid turning your back to the audience for extended periods. It can be seen as a sign of disrespect.
Keep your body language open and confident. Avoid crossing your arms or legs, as it can make you appear defensive or closed off.
Don’t read directly from your slides. Your slides should support your presentation, not serve as a script.
Use clear and concise language. Avoid using technical jargon or industry-specific terms that the audience may not understand.
Use a tone that is appropriate for your message and your audience. Avoid being too loud or too soft, and make sure that your tone is in line with the overall tone of your presentation.
Use visual aids, such as graphs and charts, to help illustrate your points. But keep them simple and easy to read.
Avoid distracting or unnecessary movements, such as pacing or fidgeting.
Practice your presentation beforehand to ensure you’re comfortable with the content and delivery.
Dress comfortably for the occasion. If you’re unsure, it’s better to err on the side of formality.
2. Presentation etiquette for Audience Engagement
Be mindful of your surroundings. If you’re presenting in a noisy or distracting environment, try to find ways to minimize the distractions.
Be prepared to answer questions from the audience. Anticipate common questions and have answers ready.
Show gratitude to the audience for their time and attention. Thank them for their questions and engagement.
Make eye contact with the audience. It helps to establish a connection and can make your presentation more engaging.
Don’t use offensive or derogatory language, even in jest. It can alienate the audience and damage your credibility.
Avoid making controversial or divisive statements that could cause offense or create tension.
Be aware of your tone of voice. Use inflection and emphasis to help convey your message, but avoid sounding monotone.
Use humor sparingly and appropriately. It can help to break the ice and lighten the mood, but too much can be distracting.
3. Presentation etiquette for Technical and Visual Elements
If you’re using a remote control to advance your slides, make sure it’s working properly and within reach.
Be mindful of your posture. Stand up straight and avoid slouching or leaning on objects.
Use appropriate gestures to help emphasize your points, but avoid excessive or distracting movements.
Avoid using text-heavy slides. Use visuals to help illustrate your points and make your presentation more engaging.
Speak clearly and confidently. Avoid mumbling or speaking too quietly.
Use personal stories or anecdotes to help illustrate your points and make your presentation more relatable.
Be mindful of your facial expressions. Avoid making expressions that are overly negative or dismissive.
Use a clear and easy-to-read font for your slides. Avoid using decorative or hard-to-read fonts.
Be prepared to handle technical difficulties, such as a malfunctioning projector or microphone.
If you’re using handouts, make sure they’re printed out in advance and easily accessible.
Keep your presentation focused and on-topic. Avoid going off on tangents or introducing unrelated information.
Be prepared to adjust your presentation if necessary based on the audience’s needs or interests.
All in all!
We hope you found these presentation etiquettes helpful and entertaining. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the task of creating a presentation, don’t fret! We’re here to help.
As a presentation design agency, we have a team of experts who can help you with everything from design to delivery. So if you need professional assistance with your next presentation, feel free to reach out to us. We’d be happy to make your presentation a success!
Are you looking to get your presentations designed by professionals?
Check out our Presentation Design Services.