The 90% rule:

You want 90% of the audience on your side in 5min.

Yet most presentations lose the audience within minutes.

Here are 9 common presentation mistakes—and how to fix them:

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❌ Mistake #1: Starting with “Thank you for having me.”
✔️ Fix: Hook your audience in the first 10 seconds. Open with a bold statement, question, or story.

👉 Example: “Your company is losing millions every year—and you don’t even realize it.”

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❌ Mistake #2: Speaking Too Fast
✔️ Fix: Slow down. Nervous speakers rush, but confident speakers pause. A strategic pause after a key point builds suspense and makes people lean in.

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❌ Mistake #3: Death by Bullet Points
✔️ Fix: Less text, more visuals. Studies show that people remember images 6x more than text. Use simple slides that support your story, not replace it.

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❌ Mistake #4: Filler Words That Weaken Your Impact
✔️ Fix: Remove unnecessary words. Most people use fillers like “um,” “actually,” or “I think” without realizing it. Record yourself, practice pausing, and replace weak words with silence.

👉 Example: Instead of “I actually believe this is a great idea,” say “This is a great idea.”

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❌ Mistake #5: Too Much Data, Not Enough Story
✔️ Fix: Data informs, but stories persuade. If you want people to remember your message, wrap your facts in a compelling story.

👉 Example: Instead of saying “Our new system increases efficiency by 35%,” say “Before using our system, Sarah’s team was drowning in paperwork. Now, they finish in half the time—and go home earlier.”

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❌ Mistake #6: Reading from Slides Instead of Engaging
✔️ Fix: Your slides should support your speech, not replace it. If your audience can read everything off the screen, they don’t need you. Speak freely and use slides as a visual aid—not a script.

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❌ Mistake #7: Qualifiers That Undermine Your Authority
✔️ Fix: Stop weakening your statements with phrases like “kind of,” “just,” or “I’m not an expert, but…” Own your message with confidence.

👉 Example: Instead of “I just want to share a quick thought,” say “Here’s an important insight.”

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❌ Mistake #8: Low Energy and Monotone Delivery
✔️ Fix: Passion is contagious. Use vocal variety, hand gestures, and movement to keep your audience engaged. If you sound bored, your audience will be too.

👉 Pro tip: Imagine you’re talking to a friend instead of giving a formal speech—it will feel more natural and engaging.

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❌ Mistake #9: Weak Ending (No Call to Action)
✔️ Fix: End with impact. What do you want your audience to think, feel, or do next? Tell them!

👉 Example: “If you want to stop wasting time in meetings, try this approach today. Your team will thank you.”

💡 Your presentation isn’t just about information—it’s about transformation.

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Avoid these mistakes, and your audience will remember you long after you leave the room.

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