These are some really good presentation tips from Doug Lawrence at Guy Kawasaki’s blog. Really good. If you adopt and use any of them, sweet.

But…

Don’t knock yourself out trying to do it all at once. Don’t get lost in the cool tricks. John’s right about too much noise hindering your game. Every one of us can make giant improvements by sticking to the basics. Know your audience, know what you need to achieve, build a message that works with (and for) both.

I tell clients “ums” are no big deal. Get hung up on eliminating them and the first one you utter can blow your game. Same goes for any rule.

I’m not dissing the advice. I especially like the one about ‘performing’ for a hero, because damn straight, you will prepare like you never have before. My point is never get too lost in “the rules” (yes, even mine) to present like the star you are.

No matter how much strategic duct tape, smile-lubricating tooth vaseline or, gasp, (if Miss Confidentiality is to be believed) eye wrinkle removing hemorrhoid ointment is put to use, a person lacking personality, character, talent or beauty won’t win a pageant. Tips and tricks can help, but don’t let them distract and annoy, and NEVER rely on them to make a lame presentation better.