3 Smart Moves After a Big Presentation

Last month I covered the 12 things you should do before a big presentation. But what about afterward?

If you’re like most people, you’re probably so grateful it’s over that you don’t even want to think about it!

But if you’re looking to improve your presentation skills, it’s important to analyze what worked and what didn’t and plan adjustments for the future — especially if it’s a presentation you’ll need to give again.

Here’s how. (And, of course, you can use this same process with your leaders, clients and others to help them improve their skills.) 

1. Check your timing.

Did you finish on time, with just enough room for Q&A? If so, congratulations — you’re ahead of most people!

If you didn’t — if you had to rush through your last slides or cut material on the spot — there are several things to look at.

First, your process. Did you rehearse adequately? I always recommend practicing your presentation out loud and at normal speed. It’s the only way to see if your content fits the allotted time slot.

Next, figure out what to cut. Ask yourself:

• Where was the group most engaged — leaning in, heads nodding, etc.?  
• Where did they appear to check out?
• Where did it seem to drag for you? This is the big one — if you were bored, they were absolutely bored. 

Now, if you ran out of time because there were so many audience questions, that’s a good sign of engagement — but it still means you need to cut content.

2. Review any video.

If you have video, watch it. This is less likely in a standard small-group presentation, but possible at a conference — and, of course, in a Zoom or Teams meeting.

If it’s not being recorded by conference organizers, enlist a friend or find a friendly face in the front row and ask them to record it on your phone. Maybe have a Starbucks or other gift card ready to hand them as compensation.

When you watch your video, don’t freak out. Most of us are hypercritical when it comes to ourselves.

Keep in mind that video is a “flat” medium, literally and figuratively. It usually doesn’t show the third dimension — the audience’s expressions and body language. Plus, we’re accustomed to watching video with swelling music, flashy graphics and quick cuts, so it inevitably comes across as subdued in comparison.

As you watch, look at:

• The pacing. If it feels fast, next time practice a slower, more deliberate delivery, with pauses built in.
• Variety in the speed, volume and inflection (vs. monotone).
• The delivery. If it’s halting instead of fluid, more practice is needed.
• Any distracting or repetitive gestures or movements.
• Excessive filler words (uhs, ums, okays, etc.).
• Eye contact. Are you facing the audience or the screen?

In terms of content: 

• Was your intro smooth and compelling?
• Were the transitions awkward or choppy? Make sure the sequence of ideas is logical and intuitive.
• Was your wrap-up strong and purposeful with a clear call to action?

3. Gather feedback.

If audience evaluations are available, check them out. Focus on the big picture without getting too hung up on the outliers. For negative feedback, ask yourself honestly if there’s anything practical you can take away from it.

Seek feedback from a friend or colleague. But don’t be generic about it, as in, “How’d I do?” or “What did you think?” Most people will answer, “You were great!”

Instead, ask specific questions that don’t let them off the hook with a simple “yes/no” answer. For instance:

• “What was your big takeaway?”
• “How did this [specific idea] land?”
• “Where were you most engaged and why?”
• “What did you find least important?”

At a conference, see if you can schedule some time with the staff to get their honest feedback — not when they’re in the thick of things, obviously, but not too long after the event either.

I know this sounds like a lot of work. But you wouldn’t wrap up a major project or campaign without conducting a post-mortem, would you?

A big presentation can be just as important. It’s an indicator of our effectiveness and persuasiveness, so it’s worth a commitment to continuous improvement.