The document discusses five common presentation horrors to avoid: killer smile (oversmiling), lost train of thought, overacting, authority abuse, and detour questions. It advises presenters to be wary of oversmiling, maintain an outline to avoid getting lost, tread carefully when engaging audiences emotionally, refrain from unnecessary stories that divert the audience, and only ask questions to clarify important points rather than changing the subject. Presenters should bury bad habits to ensure better, more engaging presentations.

1. Skeletons
in the Closet
Bury These
5 Presentation Horrors
Even the best speakers are
haunted by their bad habits.
Watch out for these five horrors:
It builds rapport, reduces anxiety,
and boosts confidence.
But oversmiling can be misleading
in the wrong context.
Familiarize yourself with the topic
for the right tone and expression.
Smiling seems harmless enough.
Killer Smile
Looking down at your notes can save your presentation.
Lost Train of Thought
Keep a brief outline of your
main points.
It’s acceptable when citing
important quotes or references.
It engages and exaggerates.
Tread carefully
through delicate topics.
Find alternatives to delivering
deep emotions in your speech.
Just don’t do it too often.
Overacting is oversmiling’s equally
evil twin.
Overkill
Don’t abuse speaker authority
By diverting the audience.
Authority Abuse
Unnecessary side-stories
can be very distracting.
Channel these narratives
to support your core message.
Some presenters ask unplanned questions
in the face of unexpected problems.
Detour Questions
This is supposed to deflect tension
but it only worsens the situation.
Unplanned questions
change the subject,
disturbing your pitch’s flow.
Ask only the right questions
to clarify important points.
Avoid falling into the trap
Of bad presentation habits.
Keeping them buried
guarantees better,
more engaging pitches.
Check your closet
for skeletons
References
"Dig into Your Presentation Audience's Key Learning Styles."
SlideGenius PowerPoint Design & Presentation Experts. 8 May 2015. Web. 22 Oct. 2015.
http://www.slidegenius.com/blog/slidegenius-news/dig-into-your-presentation-audiences-key-learning-styles/.
"For Public Speaking Success, Ask the Right Questions!"
For Public Speaking Success, Ask the Right Questions! Web. 22 Oct. 2015.
http://www.genardmethod.com/blog-detail/view/69/for-public-speaking-success-ask-the-right-questions.
"How Not to Depend on Your PowerPoint Presentation Scripts."
SlideGenius PowerPoint Design & Presentation Experts. 29 May 2015. Web. 22 Oct. 2015.
http://www.slidegenius.com/blog/slidegenius-news/how-not-to-depend-on-your-powerpoint-presentation-scripts/.
"Incorporating Humor into a Presentation | SlideGenius."
SlideGenius PowerPoint Design & Presentation Experts. 15 Aug. 2013. Web. 22 Oct. 2015.
http://www.slidegenius.com/blog/incorporating-humor-into-a-presentation/.
"Power Your Presentations with These Body Language Tips."
SlideGenius PowerPoint Design & Presentation Experts. 16 July 2014. Web. 22 Oct. 2015.
http://www.slidegenius.com/blog/body-language-tips-for-presentations/.