Presentation Patterns: Techniques for Crafting Better Presentations

Chapter 7. Performance Antipatterns

We’ve arrived at the moment of truth: the performance. Before you can apply patterns, you must make sure you haven’t developed bad habits, or antipatterns.

Frank’s Frankly Fatuous Fumbling

One of Neal’s colleagues, Frank, was a terrific speaker. He could hold a business meeting in the palm of his hand because he was articulate, charming, and knowledgeable. But when he got nervous, he began starting sentences with “Frankly.” The more nervous he became, the more “franklys” came out.

The consulting engagement that Neal and Frank were working on culminated in a big meeting. Frank was going to be the master of ceremonies, doing most of the talking and handing off specific sections to specialists like Neal. The ...