7 Types of Bad Presenters: Tips for Better Printed Presentations

You can probably relate to this all too familiar scenario:  You’re attending a presentation and the presenter is almost unbearable to watch. Whether they’re stumbling through slides or speaking rapidly, you find yourself unable to process any of the information presented. But what contributes to the failures of bad presenters? First, we should define what contributes to great presentations.

What Makes a Great Presentation?

Here are our top tips for crafting a great presentation: 

1. Practice, Practice, Practice: The best way to avoid stumbling over your words is to know them by heart. Take the time to practice your presentation before the big day to work out any kinks.
2. Avoid Filler Words: Ums, ahs, and ahems detract from your point of view. If you need to leave a space within your speech, use the silence to your advantage. It might feel strange at first, but leaving space for your audience to digest your information can be beneficial, especially if you’re covering a complex topic.
3. Know Your Audience: Your presentation will probably vary if you’re talking to a group of students vs. a group of experts. Take the time to research your audience so you can create a custom presentation that meets their needs.
4. Use Images: Create charts, graphs, and other images that help tell your story. Always use top-notch presentation printing services to make sure your images are high-quality.
5. Tell a Story: The best way to engage your audience is by telling them a great story. Be sure to add a beginning, middle, and end to your presentation.
6. Use Custom Presentation Materials: Presentation printing and binding services add a dynamic element to your topic that help engage your audience and drive your points home. For a small group, you could create folders or brochures going over the key points of your presentation. For bigger audiences, consider full-color presentations with large-scale elements, like charts, graphs, and statistics. 
7. Speak, Don’t Read: It’s never fun to have someone read their presentation word-for-word. For a professional presentation, add value by providing more information than what’s on your slides.
   • Worried your audience might forget your key points? Print custom documents and folders for every person to take home with them.
8. Leave Time for Questions: Save 5 to 10 minutes at the end of your presentation to engage with your audience. By answering their questions, you can connect with them more and address any topics that might feel confusing or overwhelming.

What Makes a Bad Presentation?

There are many factors that contribute to bad presentations. Whether it’s asking for extra time or fidgeting, there are numerous ways for a project to go south.

Here’s a list of some things to avoid for a perfect presentation:

1. Speaking Quietly: If your audience has to strain to hear, your message might get lost in the shuffle. Project your voice loudly or use a microphone to get your point across. 
2. Stapled Materials: While convenient, staples can make your presentation materials look unpolished. Consider binding options such as comb binding, coil, or other professional presentation finishes for a cleaner appearance.
3. Low-Quality Prints: Faded colors and unclear text can distract from your message. Choose high-quality printing services that offer full-color presentations and a variety of paper stocks.
4. Overloading Slides with Text: Too much information on a slide can overwhelm your audience. Aim for clear, concise points and use visuals to support your message rather than crowding the space with text.
5. Last-Minute Printing: Rushing often leads to errors. Planning ahead allows time to approve the proof and take advantage of same-day service or next-day delivery without compromising quality.
6. Disorganized Binding: A loose or outdated binder can make even strong content feel incomplete. Use presentation printing and binding services to bind your documents professionally, adding tabs or front and back covers for better organization.
7. Unclear Graphics: Poor image quality can reduce the impact of your message. Ensure all graphic elements are optimized for print and saved in a print-ready file format such as PDF.
8. DIY Printing Challenges: Home or office printing can be unpredictable. A trusted printing service with custom printing capabilities and a wide selection of binding services can help deliver consistent results.
9. Lack of Audience Engagement: A presentation isn’t just about delivering information—it’s about connecting with your audience. Ask questions, make eye contact, and tailor your tone and pace to keep your listeners engaged.
10. Limited Customization: Every presentation is unique. Use customizable templates and options to personalize your custom presentation, meeting your specific specification and deadline.

With the right tools and printing service, it’s easier than ever to create a professional presentation that reflects your work accurately and effectively.

What is Presentation Printing?

Custom presentation printing allows you to create your own printed materials that enhance your story-telling abilities. Whether you’re printing marketing materials, training materials, or personal projects, we’ll help you get the professional finish you need. With Mimeo’s online tools, you can upload your documents, customize your printing options, and ship your materials within a quick turnaround time.

Ready to take your presentation to the next level? Get started today and learn how Mimeo can help you.