“Sorry about this, I know it’s really boring.”
“I hope this is OK, I wasn’t sure what I should do.”
“Sorry, this isn’t as good as the last presentation, I only put this together yesterday”
Sorry, But We Don’t Care
Being typically British* and apologising for everything (including things you’re not responsible for) may seem polite and the right thing to do, but there’s something you need to know:
The audience doesn’t care.
Seems harsh, doesn’t it? But the fact is that they just want your information and message. They want you to do well (and if they don’t they have no place in your audience) and will allow for a small error or two – you’re only human. They care about you as a human being, but right now your endless self-deprecation and story about how the bus was late or that you feel out of your depth is actually going to be a bit annoying. They don’t need to know about any of it because right now they’re waiting for the good stuff, something they can use.
It’s a Show
Your presentation is a performance; your audience doesn’t want to know about what’s happening behind the scenes.
They will assume that you’re an expert with something useful to relate. Like any actor, stand-up comic or singer, you might feel nervous and worry about your perceived credibility, but if you step into the role and do the things that feel natural and professional, your audience will buy into you. Apologising implies that you did something wrong, and may even damage your credibility instead of reinforcing it.
Roll with It
If something goes wrong, acknowledge it and continue. If your audience is unaware of a problem, don’t let them know that there is one. Smile (even if inside you’re thinking ‘Aaaargh! I spent ages on that!’) and move on.
Polite communication does not mean apologising all the time; it means having empathy with your audience and doing what’s best for them.
Related Things
A short video on my YouTube channel, also on apologising.
* See @Very BritishProblems on Twitter