Work presentations can be bleak experiences for all involved. UCD's Barry Brophy joined Down to Business to discuss some common mistakes which people make.

Presenter Bobby Kerr put it to him that one of his pet peeves is poor use of technology - particularly PowerPoint.

"It's amazing how persistent that PowerPoint habit is" said Mr Brophy - noting that it should never under any circumstances be used as a "script."

It works best as a backdrop to present points against, rather than serving as your own set of speaking notes.

He recommends a 'less is more' approach, and to try and use images.

Part of his research in UCD found that in regular conversations people will rely on stories and examples to illustrate points, but when they sit down to write a presentation they tend to avoid them, and to filter them out because they fear that they come across as unprofessional.

While you might feel that you are "going off point", often personal input can be the section of a presentation which actually engages your audience, and gets your point across.

He recommends trying to relax, and to make the presentation feel like a conversation.

Bobby Kerr also treated us to a list of his own top 10 presentation tips.

If you are interested in learning more, Barry Brophy's book The Natural Presenter is available from Gill Macmillan.