Consider your audience

The biggest "duh" tip I can share with you is to think about your audience before you speak, present, or host a meeting.

And right now, you're thinking, "of course."

But when was the last time you actually did this?

Time after time, we are subject to presentations where we listen to blather, all the while thinking, "Why am I here? What's this about? What's this guy's point?"

So even if it's a five-minute pop-into-your-boss's meeting, ask yourself:

• Who will be there?
• What do they want to know? 
• What's the most important thing I can tell them? 

Take a few minutes to prepare, and you'll have your audience's attention -- not their disdain.