Watch The Jargon
The Challenge: Jargon is the vocabulary specific to your industry. It's easy to slip into because you're reading it yourself and using it with your colleagues. It can save you time because one word can stand for two sentences' worth of explanation. But you can't always be sure your audience knows what those terms mean. The truth is, most people won't ask if they don't know. They just stay confused, and the point of your presentatino is lost.
The Fix: Try out your talk or report on a friend who knows nothing about your topic. Ask them to point out any unclear references. You can continue to use the terms, but be sure to define them the first time. The second time you use the term, make a short reference to your previous definition. (This helps those who missed it the first time.)
Who & What You Mention
The Challenge: Thought leaders in your field are familiar to you because you're closely following what they're doing. You may even have relationships with them. The same thing goes for regular industry events. But your listeners may have no clue who you're referring to - or why.
The Fix: Give a short reference point to anyone or any event you mention, including where to find out more. This will help listeners follow up if they want to. They'll also be able to stay focused on what you're talking about. Otherwise, they're racking their brains trying to find their own reference points. And they're not listening to YOU making your presentation.
Assuming Knowledge
The Challenge: It's tough to remember what it was like in the beginning, isn't it? Unless you give it some attention, it's so easy to skip over critical information that your audience really needs - especially if they're newbies.
The Fix: Before you get started, get a feel for the knowledge level of the person or group you're speaking to. Encourage questions. Make a joke about it. If I've got a group that's quiet and may not ask questions, I ask them to hold up an index finger if I reference something they're not familiar with. I demonstrate, and joke about "the secret sign that I'm being confusing." It helps people to relax and increases our chances of understanding each other.
Bring Your Best Game
The Challenge: You want to serve your clients and give them confidence in you. You think a good way to do that is to show that you're definitely in the know. You're lacking confidence yourself so you try to borrow some by using insider lingo, name-dropping of industry gurus, and discussing advanced subjects in your field.
The problem is this can back-fire on you. Your listener may feel excluded - not part of the "club." So they go to get their help from somebody else they feel more comfortable with. (Or worse, they may know more than you do, and that can cause problems too!)
The Fix: Relax. Keep your mind on your listener and the best way to inform them. This helps you keep your mind off yourself - and therefore more relaxed. Be who you are -- just the real you. Stay focused on how you can best serve your audience, and try to put yourself in their shoes. That's what will really keep them engaged with your presentation.
