Presentation Survey Findings

The results of the Presentation Survey are out. 73 people responded to my survey and it is a healthy sample size. Out of 73, 41 were students and the balance were working professionals. Majority of the respondents were from India. Here are the findings:


Question: How do you rate OTHERS on  presentation skills? (Rate on a scale of 1 to 10; 1 being poor)
Rating of 5 or less: 40%
Rating of 6 & 7: 36%
Rating above 8: 24%


Most people rate others as average presenters. The weighted average score comes to 6.2. This is pretty poor.


Question: How do you rate YOURSELF on  presentation skills? (Rate on a scale of 1 to 10; 1 being poor)
Rating of 5 or less: 10%
Rating of 6 & 7: 45%
Rating above 8: 45%


Most people rate themselves much better presenters. The weighted average score comes to 7.2 but look at the how rating has happened from 1 to 5. We think 40% of others are between 1 to 5 but only 10% of us place ourselves in the same 'poor' bracket. We are clearly over rating ourselves.


Question: What are the areas of improvement for other presenters?
Respondents were asked to share what lacked in other presenters and these are the ones which came up most.

• Lack of confidence and fear of presenting to a crowd
• Long presentations, too much content and too many words on slides
• Reading the slides
• Engaging the audience. Presenter is not able to retain audience attention

Question: What are your areas of improvement as a presenter?

Respondents mentioned what they felt were their own shortcomings.

• Lack of confidence. Less experience as a presenter.
• Lack of convincing power
• Poor communication skills
• Lack of preparation
• Do not know how to tell a story

Most people are aware of their shortcoming when it comes to preparation and confidence but do not realise that their audiences hate when they read slides and make long presentations. I am sure after reading this, you will become aware of these shortcomings as well.