I'm a sales rep and every quarter I present to 100-200 people and train on our products (aprox a 30 min presentation). I received feedback that my presentations need more energy, are dry and the audience loses interest very quickly.

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Marissa

02/05/21 at 10:19PM UTC

I'm a sales rep and every quarter I present to 100-200 people and train on our products (aprox a 30 min presentation). I received feedback that my presentations need more energy, are dry and the audience loses interest very quickly.

Needless to say public speaking is nerve wrecking and I used to be so proud of myself for accomplishing these huge presentations. After I received the feedback, I spend all day crying and wanting to quick my job. I'm not super passionate about this role. Is this a clear sign I suck at my job and I'm not meant for this type of position?

4 Comments

Rebecca Vorwerk Larson

Called to communicate.

02/05/21 at 11:55PM UTC

Aww, not at all! I'm sorry you've had to process this challenging feedback. It's hard to hear, but I think you have an opportunity for growth and development. Presentation skills are definitely something you can work on. I think sometimes people think we should just know how to make a good presentation intuitively. But it really is a skill that can be learned! Everything from tone of voice to pacing to visuals can be improved if you're willing to hear the feedback, make changes, and practice. And there's a lot to know about creating a presentation that is engaging and anticipates the audience's questions leaving them feeling informed and satisfied. LinkedIn Learning has some great resources for this type of training: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/paths/develop-your-presentation-skills?u=57912609 Don't give up! You've got this!

User edited comment on 02/05/21 at 11:57PM UTC

Kia

Founder, YOUAuthority

02/06/21 at 1:31AM UTC

Love the advice Rebecca! Hi Marissa! I would say it's also possible that because these presentations are so routine for you now, they're less eventful and significant. And as a result - the presentation moments may not tap into the same places or elicit the level of heightened emotion and energy for you that the they once did? You also mentioned that you're not super thrilled about the role so that is what's coming through to your audience via your communication and how you're engaging them. Is it that you don't like what you're doing or you don't like public speaking? Having said that - you're gonna have to do a bit of acting when it's presentation time so your audience shouldn't be able to sense your lack of enthusiasm, if you believe that your lack enthusiasm for the role itself might be a contributing factor? Lastly - maybe start researching opportunities that will excite you and align better with what you want! I'll echo what Rebecca said - you've got this!

User edited comment on 02/06/21 at 2:11AM UTC

Anonymous

02/06/21 at 1:50AM UTC

What I have to add is you are presenting to 200 people and feedback from one or two people saying you suck is natural when you present to such a big crowd. Not saying to completely ignore the advice. But when you have a big group of people there is always bound to be negative feedback which may not be what everyone thinks.

Anonymous

02/06/21 at 2:01AM UTC

You don't suck. It just takes practice. And it sounds like they're giving you not-so-constructive feedback. You should join my toastmasters club: * https://www.linkedin.com/company/willow-glen-toastmasters * https://7281.toastmastersclubs.org/ We practice presentations & give each other actionable feedback for improving. It's a really supportive club.