Here are some things that you should never ever (ever!) say or do in your presentation because they will be hated or ignored by most audiences:
1) “You probably want to know a little about ME!” (No, they don’t.)
2) “Before I begin you have to understand that…”(Just begin already!)
3) “How are you all doing?” (Thought to be an involver, often experienced as an embarrassment by both sides.)
4) “Can you hear me OK?” while tapping the microphone. (Audio checks should happen with the sound professional, not the audience.)
5) “Today we are going to….” followed by a list of objectives usually on PowerPoint that everyone can read faster than you can speak. (Next time just get right to #1 without identifying it as such and conclude with “We just finished our first objective for the day.”)
6) “I can’t hear you!” as a way to have the audience repeat the speaker’s key phrase. (Do you want everyone to feel like they are back in second grade!?)
7) “Shhhhhhhh…” attempting to get control back from an audience group exercise. (Try this next time: “If you can hear me, please raise your hand.” As they do others will notice. This usually only needs to be said twice and then a sincere thank you allows you to continue.)