As a business owner or entrepreneur, your most important sales tool - no matter what products or services you offer - is your own skill of presentation and persuasion.
Personally, I’ve always loved the rush of being onstage. I am probably one of the few people who looks back fondly on Easter and Christmas programs at church or school plays in elementary school. I even survived that momentus Easter Sunday I stood on the small stage in the basement of our family church in Steelton, Pennsylvania and realized by the look of maternal horror on my mother’s face that I had begun reciting my sister’s Easter poem instead of my own.
You guessed it: I had learned both our poems by heart….
My first professional presentation, however, came back in the late 80’s when I got a job working for a company here in Germany that developed international brand names for new products, services and companies. The first client meeting I attended was held in English, so - without really warning me beforehand - our managing director decided that I - as the native speaker - should present our proposals to the client. Of course I was nervous! But the natural performer in me kicked in and I put everything I had into making those brand name proposals comes to life - and laid a further cornerstone for my future as a passionate presenter and accomplished presentation skills coach.
During my 15 year career in advertising, I presented in front of national and international audiences on a regular basis. Because of my reputation as a strong presenter, I was soon asked to put together a workshop on presentation skills for junior and mid-level staff throughout the Middle European region. In my naive quest to cover all the bases, the written module became a virtual laundry list addressing such pressing issues as preparing for the meeting, taking notes for your presentation, writing your presentation, editing your presentation, creating your charts, what visual/audio aids to use, etc. All worthy topics to be sure!
When I began actually conducting the workshop, though, I very quickly discovered three essential facts:
1. You can get a lot of great theoretical information on presenting from any decent book on the subject (or - in the meantime - online), 2. BUT: Most people have no idea how they look when they present 3. AND: Most people - even in the communications industry! - receive little or no direct feedback on their personal presentation performances.
Unbeknownst to me then, these simple discoveries became the seeds that eventually germinated into a four-part Authentic Presentation Personality™ workshop series.
Of course, nothing can take the place of a LIVE opportunity to practice your presentation skills. In the meantime, though, I would like to share something with you that I often discuss with workshop participants:
8 Myths Standing between You and Your Authentic Presentation Personality™
“I’m not a good presenter”!
To quote American presentation trainer, Diane DiResta, “Life is a presentation”! If you ever doubt your skills as a presenter, just remember the enthusiasm, wit, pathos and involvement you bring to stories you tell to your friends and family. Consider what habits/traits you have while communicating in your personal life that would enrich your business communication style and make it more authentically you.
“I’m too nervous to be a good presenter!”
Most people deal with nervous energy before a presentation. Good presenters learn to tap into the energy that is being set free to better transport the enthusiasm and conviction they feel about their ideas!
“I either have to memorize my presentation or read everything from my charts!”
Memorizing your presentation makes you inflexible for audience interaction, and – believe it or not – your audience can already read. That’s why it’s best to keep your charts brief and memorize the concept and “flow” of your presentation. That way complicated charts don’t distract from what you are saying, you express yourself naturally while presenting, and you can easily react to any questions or comments the audience makes.
“I have to cover as much information as possible during my presentation!”
Concentrate on your essential message and adapt it to the timeframe available to you. People have limited memory spans, and it’s easier for them to remember what’s important (for them and for you!) if you don’t overload them with facts they already know or nonessential details.
“I have to darken the room so people can see my charts better!”
People have come to your presentation to hear what YOU have to tell them. They can’t do that very well if they can’t see your face while you talk, or fall asleep in a darkened room.
“I hate the fact that I move around so much when I present”
Dynamic, purposeful movement energizes you – and your audience! Remember that you’re not restricted to a space the size of a sheet of paper when you present. Use as much of the room as you feel comfortable using. Approach audience members! Point to charts, visuals, models. The more interesting you are to look at while presenting, the easier it is for your audience to pay attention.
“I use my hands too much when I talk!”
Pay attention to dynamic speakers when they talk! Their hands dramatize and accentuate what they have to say. Of course, it’s distracting for your audience if you are swinging and waving your arms without rhyme or reason. If, however, you use meaningful gestures to emphasize your story, it will enrich the effect of what you are saying.
“I can’t think if I am looking at someone!”
Yes, you can! Looking directly at individual members of your audience helps strengthen the relationship between you and them. They realize you are talking to - and not just at – them. It not only flatters them, it also keeps them listening more attentively. And it lets you see if everyone understands what you are saying, or if someone needs additional information or wants to make a comment. If you lose your train of thought or feel uncertain about something, simply look at someone who is encouraging you nonverbally. That’ll help relieve your stress, so you can continue with confidence!
Even if you are seldom in a formal presentation situation, I believe these eight tips can help you communicate more effectively - and convincingly - by letting the YOU in you shine through.
Tapping Into Your Authentic Presentation Personality - To learn more about this author, visit Trina Roach-Raschke's Website.
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