Viewing entries in
Present Like a Pro

7 Things Not to Say or Do

Every so often, I like to pull a lesson from the archives that still holds up today. This one continues to resonate because the fundamentals of great communication never change. Consider this your midweek reminder to keep sharpening the basics.

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.)

The Good, the Bad, and the Not So Nice.

When someone comes up to you and thanks you for your presentation try responding with, “Thank you very much. What did you like especially?” You’ll get an on-the-spot example of what hit home for them. And if it is critical or negative, lean in a bit with “Wow, tell me more about that” and say it with genuine interest. No matter who or where, people, especially those who told you the great and the not so great, they all like to be heard and acknowledged.

PowerPoint Tips That Actually Work

Ever sat through a presentation where the clipart felt more like a stock photo shoot than a meaningful visual? Or where the slides looked sleek on a laptop but turned muddy on the projector?

In this short video, I share practical tips to help your slides function as well as they look:

  • Say goodbye to generic images and cluttered text

  • Keep your slides thematically consistent

  • Test your colors on a projector — trust me, it matters

  • And my favorite trick: hit the “B” key to blackout the screen and bring all eyes back to you

Whether you're presenting to a boardroom or a classroom, these tips will help you show up with clarity and confidence.

Speak Up, Stand Out: Presentation Tips That Get You Heard

Your voice carries your message—make sure it’s heard. In this video, I share quick-fire tips to present with confidence and clarity:

  • Skip the “Can you hear me?”

  • Speak louder—yes, even if it feels awkward

  • Keep slides short and punchy

  • Make it about the audience—always

Your opportunity starts when they hear you. Don’t miss it.

Small Sessions, Big Impact

Sharing reflections from a recent post-conference workshop. Attendance was small—just three participants—but the impact was significant. The intimate setting fostered rapid learning, engagement, and meaningful dialogue. When people choose to show up, they’re already invested. As facilitators, our focus shouldn’t be numbers—it should be delivering value. The right people always find their way in.

Watch the video to see how small sessions can lead to big takeaways.

Present First, Explain Later

I’ve sat through many presentations lately and too often presenters save the best for last. But leading with action gives people something to connect with right away.

This video explores why flipping the format helps your message stick. Don’t wait—start strong and let your audience experience the value.

Mic Drop Wisdom: Say It, Then Stop

Mary Doria Russell, author of “The Sparrow,” a popular novel among my university classes, said that people who go on and on and on and on should join the support group “On and On Anon”! Whenever you’re giving a short or long presentation and you know that what you just said was it… Stop! You are done, that’s all. Sit. Trust your inner self and let it be. Don’t belabor or repeat the it, just let it linger in the air. You’d made your point, enjoy! Take your applause with humility and grace and sit down. Let whoever is in charge ask for “Any questions?” All you need to do is say that magic of wisdom that came from within you and sit.

Your Slides Are Talking Over You—Here’s How to Fix That

Ever find yourself cramming too much info on your slides? We've all been there. But here's the thing—if your audience is busy reading, they’re not really hearing you.

Watch my latest video to learn why embracing the “less is more” approach in PowerPoint can transform your message. Fewer words, more impact. Let the visuals support you, not compete with you.

Your Slides Are Talking Over You—Here’s How to Fix That

Ever find yourself cramming too much info on your slides? We've all been there. But here's the thing—if your audience is busy reading, they’re not really hearing you.

Watch my latest video to learn why embracing the “less is more” approach in PowerPoint can transform your message. Fewer words, more impact. Let the visuals support you, not compete with you.

Skip the Small Talk—Start with Impact!

Ever been in a presentation where the first few minutes are filled with weather updates and casual chit-chat? It often signals nervousness rather than confidence. But what if you flipped the script?

In my latest video, I share a simple yet powerful strategy: start with dessert first. Watch the video to see how you can transform the way you deliver presentations. Let’s make every word count!

Answer the Question You Wish They’d Asked

In all my presentations, I interview someone “Larry King Style.” which includes questions about their leadership journey from grade school to the present. We do not prepare the interview, I often know nothing about them. The interviews are much better that way, spontaneous, personal, from the heart and the head. Most of my interviewees say “Yes” when asked either in advance or on the spot. It is often the most popular part of the program (in addition to my infinite wisdom of course!).

A recent interview was with a CEO of a major southern hospital. He was terrific, popular, wise, experienced, and a giving person. He did something I’ve never seen before: he prepared! He had a fist full of notes, typed, labeled “the interview”! He didn’t refer to the notes very much, but I knew he was ready for whatever question came from me.

The great part of this particular interview was my questions were just the diving board, he decided how to dive! I’d ask a question, and he gave an answer and then he went on to what he most wanted the physicians in attendance to know, regardless of my question! He seemed to know that this was his moment with these 15 doctors, and he wanted them to know what he wanted them to know.

It was quite different from my other 900+ interviews over the years, and he taught me an important lesson…if you want to make an impact prepare what you want regardless of what happens. Robert Macnamara from the Kennedy and Johnson administrations said words to the effect of the media, “Answer the question you wished they had asked!”

So no matter if it is a ten-minute update or a spontaneous conversation, you always have time to prepare.

Make your presentations more powerful and impactful!

When you're giving a presentation, your audience is thinking one thing: "Can you help me solve my problem?"

Get straight to the answer. Be clear, be direct, and focus on what matters most to them.

Watch this quick video to learn how to make your presentations more powerful and impactful!

Trust your expertise

Trust your expertise—it’s your greatest asset when presenting. Watch this quick video to learn more and let me know what you think in the comments!

Presentation slides

If your presentation slides are packed with text, your audience has to choose: read or listen? Spoiler: they’ll read—and tune you out.

Want to keep your audience engaged? Design your slides for listening, not reading.

Pro tip: Create simple, impactful slides for your talk—and send detailed "archive slides" afterward for reference.

Watch this short video to learn more!

Look at the outliers

Next time you review evaluations, don’t just look at the trends. Look at the outliers. They might just hold the key to your next big breakthrough. Watch this video to learn more!

Reviewing evaluations

Next time you review evaluations, don’t just look at the trends. Look at the outliers. They might just hold the key to your next big breakthrough. Watch this video to learn more!

Jump straight into the content

In your next presentation, just jump straight into the content! Watch this video to learn more and let me know what you think in the comments.

Dessert first!

When giving a presentation, I always say: Dessert first! Why? Because people come to your talk with a hunger for something specific. When you lead with the most valuable insight upfront, you grab attention, create engagement, and ensure your audience stays invested in what’s next. Watch this video to learn more!