What is the most challenging aspect of a presentation?

In my opinion, the most challenging and overlooked aspect of a presentation is not the preparation, the rehearsing, the actual delivery, or even the dreaded Q&A session at the end. In my experience, the most challenging aspect has been summoning the courage to ask for feedback on your performance afterward.

Often, many of us are just thankful to make it through the ordeal (presentation) without unforeseen technical issues, misspoken words, a surplus of audible pauses, visibly sweating or going blank at key moments. Many people consider the closing remarks of their presentation the last step in the process.

However, during my time in the financial services industry, I realized that going one step further to ask my counterparts and managers what they thought of my performance, was just as crucial. And, in many ways, the step that helped me grow the most as a professional.

Opening yourself up to criticism is very difficult. No one wants to hear they did poorly, their presentation lacked substance, they spoke too fast, they mumbled, they fidgeted excessively, they were sweating noticeably, or worse-- they seemed unprepared. However, if we want to improve our performance in the future, we have to get comfortable listening to constructive criticism.

Knowing your flaws gives you information on which you can act. Understanding your weak points allows you to finetune your presentation and leadership skills. These are the skills that help distinguish you from your peers, as you compete for promotions and increased compensation. However, before you can open yourself up to criticism, you also need to be courageous and humble. In my opinion, courage and humility are essential traits for long-term success in the business world.

So, after your next presentation or meeting, try using one of the following phrases to get an honest assessment of your performance from participants.

To a colleague:

• In your honest opinion, how was my last presentation?

• So, what'd you think of my presentation? Don't pull any punches, be honest with me.

• If you could improve one thing about my presentation, what would it be?

To a manager:

• Mr. / Ms. ____, if you have a moment, I would appreciate any feedback you could share about my last presentation.

• Mr. / Ms. ____, I think my introduction could have been more engaging. What did you think? What advice would you give me for my next presentation?

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As always, thank you for your time.

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