Your Audience Will Thank You

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5. Thank you for using images in your slide show

Speaking of text, keep the words on your slides to a minimum. The most dynamic slide shows are rich in images. Text should be kept to a few words per slide. Unfortunately, it's too easy for most of us, including this columnist from time to time, to write a headline and fill up the rest of the slide with bullet points. If one slide is text-heavy, make sure the next one is highly visual. Nothing is more boring during a presentation than slide after slide after slide of nothing but headlines, bullet points, and long sentences.

6. Thank you for keeping your presentation short

Our attention spans are shrinking (thank you, MTV). Know that your listeners appreciate conciseness. Try to be succinct in every area of your business communications—phone conversations, e-mails, meetings, and presentations.

7. Thank you for not fidgeting, swaying, or jiggling the coins in your pocket

I recall watching a speaker—a very bright entrepreneur discussing a new product—and being very distracted by the noise he was making jiggling what had to be a few dollars' worth of small coins in his pocket! It made it nearly impossible to focus on his message. After the presentation, others said the same thing—privately. Few people will tell you that a habit is distracting, but they will be grateful when you stop doing it.

8. Thank you for paying attention to me

After a presentation, when you're taking questions or speaking to people informally, look them in the eye and show a sincere interest in what they're saying. It's been said that former President Bill Clinton could make people feel as though they were the most important person in the room. Don't look over someone's head when he or she is asking a question. Even if you are looking for someone more interesting, try to make individuals feel special. Make eye contact, nod your head, and take a sincere interest in what people are asking or suggesting. It will leave a positive impression on your listeners.

Most of the most gifted speakers were not handed the gift. They worked at it. Improve your presentation skills by putting yourself in the shoes—or seats—of your audience. Your listeners will thank you.

Carmine Gallo is a Pleasanton, Calif. communications coach and author of the book, Fire Them Up! (John Wiley & Sons; October, 2007).