No excuse for poor presentation
Posted on January 31, 2011 at 5:10 pm, by aspect
Here’s a thought for you: The next time you know you will have to stand up in front of people and present to them don’t immediately go and prepare your slides or write your script. First ask yourself this simple question: “Am I boring?” I know, it’s harsh, but the simple truth is it doesn’t matter how cool your content is, if your presentation and performance style isn’t any good whatever you do is going to fall flat. If your answer is ‘yes’ or even ‘maybe’ then my advice is to go and get some training. When I say training, I’m not talking about presentation training but performance training – did you know we are in the theatre business? Delivering a good presentation is just like playing a part in a play or a TV series. The audience has to believe every word you say; they have to engage with you. So no matter how uncomfortable it feels to take that first step, getting some acting skills will be a huge benefit. Energy sells, and data repels. Your enthusiasm and passion will always make a greater impact on people than facts. Engage with your audience. Don’t tell people what you want them to learn, allow them to discover your insights. It’s usually down to you to make this change. Unfortunately, audiences are often all too willing to listen to unaccomplished presenters. Yes, we may fill in the evaluation form but we never actually give that brutal bit of feedback that could make the difference – “their voice was monotone, they overran, they didn’t convey enough passion, they were anchored to the spot, they need some training!” All these things can be worked on but you have to recognise they need work first! Author: Simon King-Cline
Senior Board Directors aren’t always born to be public speakers
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 10:13 am, by aspect
I’m often disappointed that inspirational leaders – who achieve results in all other areas of their business – don’t always inspire when it comes to public speaking. Isn’t it a no-brainer that the leaders of an organisation should be fabulous on their feet? Passionate, articulate and motivational for employees and clients alike? Yet so often they fall short. The basic needs of a memorable speaker are threefold: Passion – Your audience wants to hear your passion for your business. Inspiration – Your audience wants to know you believe in the future of your business. They want to be inspired to perform for you. Rapport – Your audience wants to connect with you and you need to connect with your audience. All three require a well-crafted speech, knowing your content and delivering it from the heart. This needs preparation and rehearsal. Without these two preliminary stages you won’t perform to your best ability. But why do our business leaders not follow this route to inspirational performances? Well, usually it’s because no one dares to tell them that they need a bit of work on their voice projection, or that they need to make their content more concise. OK, so it makes sense that you would go out of your way to avoid offending your boss or hurting his or her feelings for fear of losing your job but isn’t it better to give these leaders immediate and straightforward advice that makes them look good? After all, it is for the good of the company and its success and, therefore, your success! Author: Simon King-Cline
