Speaker's Tip: Don't tell the audience you aren't prepared

Lately I’ve been seeing more speakers hop up on stage at a conference and say “I didn’t prepare anything so I’m just gonna wing it.” Or they’ll let you know that they’re “Sorry about the quality of the slides – I put them together quickly on the flight over here this morning.”

I’m all for winging it, but when you say “I’m not really prepared” in front of an audience you’re showing them the ulti...