Summary: Words and Phrases to avoid. Don't bring your presentation down by using words and phrases that reduce your impact. Transcript: Words are very powerful used the, well and your speech will rise to dizzying heights - use them poorly and your impact will suffer dramatically. Great, well researched content will fail if you have laced your talk with weak unempowering words and phrases. Words like just …I just want to talk about… hopefully …hopefully we’ll see improvement . Phrases like I’m going to start with a story…just launch into it don’t introduce the introduction . here’s a funny joke …dangerous territory - you’ve told them it’s funny you’re going to have egg on your face if no-one laughs - tell the joke by all means but don’t flag it. Sorry if I seem a little nervous - you’ve tipped them off now they’ll look for signs - most people would have no idea or in fact care if your nervous, just press on. I’m not very good at public speaking - hello? well get off the stage and leave it to someone who is. I didn't have enough time . . .to prepare …to research to practice - an alarming confession, it’s your problem don’t try to make it theirs. forget Buzzwords - it might make you think your pretty smart but unless your audience know as much or more about the subject leave out the buzz words - they’re over used and lazy - you know the ones - touching base, 24/7, leverage, pick your brain, deep dive, low hanging fruit - don’t be lazy don’t fall for buzzwords. Forget filler phrases - at this moment in time - now I personally think - I think, at 4AM in the morning either AM or morning not both….due to the fact that - because. When giving an opinion don’t start with “I may be wrong but…. that devalues your position, making you sound unsure and less confident. While your speech might be thoroughly researched and prepared a Q AND A session has the potential to bring you undone with a question from left field. A reply of I don’t know might well be honest and forthright but it can weaken your position - after all the audience has come to hear you speak as an expert. So how should you answer? When asked something that you don’t know “I’m, not the best person to answer that but I’ll find out for you .” That is a question outside my area of expertise, my focus today is on and give a brief summation of your talk or on a humorous note “I’d like to ask the same question.” Choosing your words and phrases carefully will make you a far more compelling speaker - so watch out for the words and phrases that undermine your presentation. Keep it conversational and on a level everyone can comprehend.
