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A recent survey conducted by Meeting Planners International and the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) identified these deadly mistakes that result in attendees walking out of presentations. Keep this checklist in a "speaking" file and refer to it the next time you give a speech or presentation:

• Appearing unprepared
• Handling questions improperly
• Apologizing for yourself or one's organization
• Being unaware of current public information in your field
• Using unprofessional audio-visual aids
• Failing to end on time
• Failing to involve the audience
• Failing to establish personal rapport
• Appearing disorganized
• Failing to start off quickly with impact
• Selling from the professional platform
• Using sexist or racist comments, ethnic slurs, or inappropriate humor