Executive Presentations: Mistakes THE Executive Speech Coach Client’s Make

by Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE

Mistakes my executive speech coaching clients used to make in their speeches and presentations… before they met me!

Do you make them too?

As speech coach to many Silicon Valley executives, I have stopped being surprised at the common mistakes so many make. Here are a few of the mistakes and misconceptions I keep running into. Are you guilty of any of these?

Waiting until the last minute:
So many executives don’t start preparing their message early enough to get the impact and results they want. They overlook what a dynamic difference a great speech can make to morale and their stock price.

Unfocused thinking:
Often they can’t explain what they want to say in a clear and concise way.

Weak starts:
Many executives start their presentations by waffling around and not getting to the point fast enough.

Not recognizing the impact of delivery:
Once many executives have developed their script, or at least a strong outline, they think they are done. Until they meet me they don’t realize the appropriate thoughts, structure, and wording are just the beginning. Now they have to internalize their message to make it easier to focus on their audience.

Patricia Fripp THE Executive Speech Coach at Golden Gate Breakfast Club

Not rehearsing:
Very few of my executive speech coaching clients appreciate the importance of adequate rehearsal. I promise them, the more they rehearse the more they can relax and enjoy their performance. And every presentation IS a performance.

Letting visual aids dictate contents:
Many executives have their team prepare their PowerPoint® before they work on their specific message and appropriate wording.

Not using stories:
Why is it executives fear their speech won’t be seen as “high content” if they illustrate key points with compelling stories and metaphors? Actually, they are the best way to make complex points.

Closing with answering questions:
Answering question is good to do before you close your presentation, however not as the close. Remember, your last words linger. They should present a key theme, a call for action, or a motivational challenge. When in doubt, I always suggest going back to the opening and closing with the same thought or idea.

The biggest executive presentation mistake ever:
Not getting help from a professional speech coach who can cut the time spent preparing and add dramatic impact to your executive presentation.

If dynamic executive presentations are important to you call Patricia Fripp who is THE executive speech coach. What are you waiting for? Call or email me if you want help!