17 Live Stream Presentation Mistakes You Can Avoid (and How to Make Your LinkedIn Live Events a Hit!)

LinkedIn Live events have become a powerful tool for professionals to connect with their audience, showcase their expertise, and generate leads. But just like any presentation, a poorly executed LinkedIn Live event can backfire.

In this blog post, we will analyze 17 common mistakes made during LinkedIn streaming presentations, offering practical solutions to elevate your next broadcast. By incorporating these tips, you'll be well on your way to hosting engaging and impactful LinkedIn Live events that achieve your goals.

1. Pre-Live Tech Check is Key

There's nothing more distracting than scrambling with tech issues during your live broadcast. Avoid this by conducting a thorough tech check before going live. Ensure a stable internet connection, test your microphone and audio quality, and familiarize yourself with the LinkedIn streaming platform.

2. Invest in Quality Sound

Sound quality is crucial for a professional presentation. If your audio is muffled or distorted, viewers will quickly lose interest. Consider investing in a good microphone and soundproofing measures for echoey rooms, like adding a rug and good-quality curtains to the room you're recording in.

3. Craft Clear Calls to Action

Don't leave your viewers guessing! Clearly articulate your call to action (CTA) early in your presentation. Whether it's encouraging viewers to download a resource, subscribe to your newsletter, or connect with you on social media, make it easy to take the next step by walking them through that process.

4. Keep Your Ideal Client in Mind

While your LinkedIn Live event might be more general, always tailor your message to resonate with your ideal client. Highlight how your expertise solves their specific problems and achieves their desired results. You can use storytelling to pique their particular interests!

5. Lighting Makes a Difference

Strategic lighting can significantly enhance your on-screen presence. Use soft lighting to eliminate harsh shadows and separate yourself from the background. Consider using a ring light for optimal illumination, unless you wear glasses... that's where a nice lamp might come in handy to avoid those distracting “light ring eyes”.

6. Personalize Your Delivery

Instead of generic greetings like "Hey everyone," address your viewers directly using "you." This fosters a more personal connection and keeps your audience engaged.

7. Be Mindful of Time-Specific Greetings

Avoid greeting your viewers with "Good morning" as they might be watching your presentation at a different time zone. Opt for a more inclusive salutation like "Hello everyone" or "Welcome!"

8. Find Your Pacing Sweet Spot

Speaking too fast can overwhelm your audience, while a slow pace can lose their attention. Find a comfortable speaking pace that allows viewers to absorb your message without feeling rushed or bored. Be mindful of your energy throughout the live stream.

9. Delay Your Slides

Don't overwhelm viewers with slides from the very beginning. Start with a captivating solo introduction and then transition into your slides. This allows viewers to connect with you first before diving into the nitty-gritty of the content.

10. Break Up Text-Heavy Slides

Dense slides packed with text are visually unappealing and difficult to follow. Break down complex information into smaller, visually engaging slides with bullet points and images.

11. Early CTAs Keep Viewers Engaged

Don't wait until the end of your presentation to share your call to action. Introduce it early on, so viewers know what action you want them to take. Remember to walk them through the process!

12. Subtly Promote Your Other Platforms

If you create content on other platforms like Facebook or Instagram, subtly mention them during your LinkedIn Live event. Spark curiosity by saying you've been live on different channels, enticing viewers to explore your content elsewhere.

13. Manage Hand Gestures

If you tend to use a lot of hand gestures, invest in a boom arm microphone to prevent accidental bumps or knocks. Being mindful of your hand movements ensures a professional presentation.

14. Avoid Confusing Double Commands

Don't overload viewers with multiple instructions at once. For instance, avoid saying, "Find the chat and send me a DM, and then send me a Connection Request." This creates cognitive overload. Instead, provide clear, single-step instructions. You can divide these instructions at different points of the live stream to keep your audience actively engaged.

15. Come Back to the Core Problem

Throughout your presentation, you must consistently tie back your points to the central problem you're helping viewers solve. This reinforces your value proposition and emphasizes how your expertise benefits them.

16. Add Specifics to Enhance Stories

Adding specific details to your stories makes them more relatable and engaging. Instead of saying, "We've put out fires for two years," explain the specific challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and the impact on your client's or your own business.

17. Save the Best for Last

When listing multiple points, place the most impactful and valuable one for last. This keeps viewers engaged until the very end, leaving them wanting more and eager to learn from your expertise.

Bonus Tip: Identify Your Passion Points

Analyze your past presentations and identify moments where your passion and excitement truly shone through. These moments naturally spark audience engagement. Leverage the energy flow to create a captivating atmosphere and connect with viewers on a deeper level.

Ready to Take Every LinkedIn Live Event to the Next Level?

By avoiding these common pitfalls and implementing the actionable tips provided, you'll be well on your way to hosting impactful LinkedIn Live events that convert viewers into engaged followers and ultimately, achieve your business goals. Remember, practice makes perfect! Analyze your recordings to identify areas for improvement, and constantly strive to refine your delivery and content. With dedication and these valuable lessons in mind, you'll master the art of captivating LinkedIn Live presentations.

In addition to the tips above, consider these bonus strategies:

• Promote Your Live Event: Announce your upcoming LinkedIn Live event in advance on your profile, through social media posts, and even email marketing.
• Offer Incentives: Encourage audience participation by offering giveaways, discounts, or exclusive content to those who engage during the live broadcast.
• Leverage Replays: Don't let the value of your live event disappear after the broadcast. Share the recording on your LinkedIn profile and other platforms for continued engagement and lead generation.

By implementing these strategies and the tips outlined above, you'll be well on your way to establishing yourself as a thought leader on LinkedIn and achieving remarkable results through the power of live video. If you want to learn more (and become better at it), you can check our Growth Academy’s free challenges here.