When the inevitable snag in a presentation occurs, we’re inclined to apologise for the error. However, you should consider avoiding that phrase entirely.
Photo by Andrew Yee
According to Darlene Price, president of Well Said, by saying “I’m sorry” you actually draw more attention to the error:
Well-meaning speakers often discredit themselves by thoughtlessly saying the words “I’m sorry.”
“For example, an audience member requests, ‘Could you please go back to the previous slide,’ or, ‘Could you please speak louder,’ and the presenter replies, ‘Oh, I’m sorry,’” Price explains. “Why apologise? Instead, give a positive proactive reply, such as, ‘Of course, I’d be happy to.’”
Presenters also tend to apologise when they think they have made an error, which the audience most likely did not notice. “For example, the speaker says, ‘I’m sorry — earlier I forgot to say…’ Instead, just make the point. Don’t call attention to a mishap,” she says. Reserve an apology for a real failure or injury that has caused someone harm. Otherwise, it undermines your authority and expertise.
Follow the link for other things to avoid saying during a presentation.
5 Things Successful Public Speakers Never Say [Business Insider via Inc.com]
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