At one point during your business career, a presentation is going to have to be given demonstrating your services or a featured product. The information that is given during a presentation is important, but the delivery is just as important, if not more. The presentation either makes the material that much more exciting or makes it painful to listen to. How you present the information is how the audience will associate your company and the product. There are many do’s and do not’s of giving a presentation, but, in hopes of being successful, it is especially important to avoid these mannerisms at the end of a presentation.
Even if you did not give the best presentation, the audience needs to believe you think that the presentation went very well. Fake it. Do not show your anger or sadness with yourself during the end of the presentation or when people are gathering their things. Do not openly state to anyone that you did not perform well or did not give it your best shot. Doing so will only insult the audience because they will know that you did not give it your all. One wrong facial expression can ruin your whole presentation and the reputation associated with your company. Always stay composed and professional in the beginning, during the presentation, and at the end of the presentation. Do not let the audience see you sweat.
Go towards your audience as you end on the concluding word. Do not step back, to the side, or in a zigzag manner. Stepping backwards or in an odd way is seen as retreating back and will be noted by the audience as a nervous or anxious mannerism. Stay strong in stance and in voice throughout the whole presentation, including and especially the ending. Project your voice, clearly articulate the material, and do not let your voice fall. A decreasing voice and odd stance shows your lack of confidence and credibility, which are two things that are necessary for a successful presentation.
Always look out into the crowd in every direction. Do not look off to the side or in a random direction. Keep your gaze forward and clear. To end with a bang, the eye contact needs to be on cue. Whether you are looking at a specific individual or looking over their heads, keep it there. Concluding visually is just as important as concluding verbally. Keep your arms down and to your side without any fidgeting or swinging. This will signal that you are finished with presentation.
Stay a few minutes after you have concluded to answer questions or comments and to speak with audience members. Once the room has cleared out, then you can gather your papers and belongings and prepare to leave. Your behavior and mannerisms are constantly being picked up on throughout the presentation, so be sure to fully end only after everyone has left the room.
Written by: Olivia Oslin
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