By Prof. Ojo Emmanuel Ademola – In unexpected situations, it can be challenging to maintain composure and deliver a flawless presentation. However, feedback can be a valuable tool for improving your presentation, even in these circumstances. Whether it’s technical difficulties, interruptions, or unforeseen questions, here are some tips on how to use feedback to your advantage in unexpected situations.
1. Stay Calm and Collect Feedback: When faced with an unexpected situation during your presentation, it’s important to remain calm and composed. After the presentation, seek feedback from the audience or colleagues who were present. Ask for their honest opinions on how you handled the situation and what could have been done better.
2. Identify Areas for Improvement: Once you have collected feedback, carefully evaluate the areas that need improvement. Did you struggle to address unexpected questions? Did technical difficulties disrupt the flow of your presentation? Look for specific areas where feedback can help you make necessary changes.
3. Adapt and Learn: Use the feedback you receive to adapt and improve your presentation skills. If technical issues arise, consider practising with backup equipment or familiarizing yourself with troubleshooting solutions. If interruptions disrupt your flow, practice keeping your composure and resuming your presentation seamlessly.
4. Practice Active Listening: When receiving feedback, practice active listening and pay attention to both verbal and non-verbal cues. Take note of any recurring issues or suggestions for improvement. Actively listening to feedback will help you understand areas where you can make necessary adjustments.
5. Seek Guidance: If you are unsure about how to address specific issues in your presentation, seek guidance from a mentor or colleague. They can offer valuable insights and suggestions on how to handle unexpected situations and improve your presentation skills.
6. Incorporate Feedback into Revisions: After receiving feedback and identifying areas for improvement, incorporate these insights into the revisions of your presentation. Make the necessary adjustments to your content, delivery, and handling of unexpected situations based on the feedback you have received.
In conclusion, unexpected situations can present challenges during a presentation, but with the right approach, feedback can be a source of valuable insight and improvement. By staying calm, actively seeking feedback, and using it to make necessary adjustments, you can continue to improve your presentation skills and effectively handle unexpected situations in the future.
Ojo Emmanuel Ademola is the first Nigerian Professor of Cyber Security and Information Technology Management, and the first Professor of African descent to be awarded a Chartered Manager Status.
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