e238 – Presentation Pitfalls with John Polk
Show Notes – Episode #238
The latest episode of The Presentation Podcast brings together hosts Troy, Sandy, and Nolan with special guest John Polk—author, workshop leader, and consultant—to discuss his new book, Presentation Pitfalls: Ten Traps Business Professionals Fall Into and How to Avoid Them (co-authored with Justin Hunsaker). This episode is a goldmine for anyone who wants to elevate their business presentations, offering deep insights into the most common mistakes professionals make and, more importantly, how to avoid them.

Highlights:
- Overview of the book Presentation Pitfalls: Ten Traps Business Professionals Fall Into and How to Avoid Them.
- Discussion of common presentation challenges faced by business professionals.
- Importance of strategic thinking in presentation design and delivery.
- Explanation of the “Frankenstein Trap” and its impact on audience engagement.
- Analysis of the “Black Hole Trap” and how dense content can overwhelm audiences.
- Strategies for tailoring presentations to specific audiences and contexts.
- Emphasis on the need for clear storytelling and effective visuals in presentations.
- Techniques for simplifying content and improving the signal-to-noise ratio.
- The role of external feedback in enhancing presentation clarity and effectiveness.
- Insights on adapting presentations for virtual formats and addressing audience engagement challenges.
Resources from this Episode:
- Book – Presentation Pitfalls (Amazon)
- John Polk and Associates (Website) (LinkedIn)
- Presentation Design Conference, February 17-20, 2026
- Training Conference & Expo, February 23-25, 2026
- Present to Succeed, May 21 and June 12, 2026
- The Presentation Summit, September 20-23, 2026
- Scam Alert (Office Perpetual Purchase) – Arcticle
- Ego Snow Shovel (Amazon)
- CamelBak steel water bottle (Amazon)
- PowerUse PowerPoint Add-in
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