As presenters, we do a lot to deliver a presentation to the best of our ability: we craft our message; develop a PowerPoint deck; review the draft with a coach; rehearse with our teams... These are all big and important steps to take.

Another factor to consider is actually quite small and may seem insignificant - it's determining the words we will use as we deliver our presentation. For many of us, we just don't think about word choice much, but given the importance of a presentation, some further thought seems like a good idea. Consider these examples, and the impact small changes in word choice could have on an audience:


"One of your biggest problems..."
"One of the issues you seem to be addressing..."


The first option seems like a heartless observation, while the second option shows a broader view and a deeper understanding that they are working hard to address a specific issue.


"Your four key objectives are..."
"Some of your objectives may include..."


The first option is very definitive and may actually compel the audience to prove you wrong. ("That's not right. We have way more than four objectives.") The second option is less definitive, showing deeper insight, and may invite your audience to confirm your observations. ("That's true, these really are some of my most important objectives.")


"We can fix your cash flow problems."
"I believe that, working together, there is a lot we could do to improve your cash flow situation, such as..."


The first statement seems arrogant and unrealistic, and possibly insulting. ("We've been working on this for years, and you're going to walk in and fix everything in a week?") The second statement may actually inspire an audience to see that things really could be different.


"That's my presentation. Do you have any questions?"
"How would you like to proceed?"


Imagine these are questions used to close a presentation. The first question is an invitation to wrap up the meeting. ("No questions but you've given us a lot to think about.") The second question subtly assumes a positive path forward, and would likely lead to more discussion.

These differences, though seemingly minor, are anything but minor. The smallest changes may lead to large outcomes!