Practice
Did Usain Bolt become the fastest man on Earth by reading a book on running?
Does the winner of the national spelling bee just memorize the dictionary the day before the competition?
Should the DMV just hand out licenses based on the written test?
(No) We all need practice. So why do most professionals spend so much more time building their presentation (i.e. creating PowerPoint slides) vs. practicing one’s delivery? Why do people spend hours working on their resume without practicing aloud what they want to say in the interview?
You may have heard that public speaking is our number one fear. They are generally referencing The Book of Lists by David Wallenchinsky et al. and specifically the list titled “The Worst Human Fears” where speaking before a group ranked at the top, above others including financial problems (#4), deep water (#5) and death (#7). Someone drowning may disagree.
A few reminders on why and how to practice – taken from the top people we see in presentations:
- Practice. Even if it is in front of a family member, your dog, or the mirror; practicing aloud is the single most important step one can take towards delivering more effective presentations.
- Starting Strong. The audience is trying to figure out in the first minute whether they will gain value from your presentation or if they should practice the ancient art of open-eyed sleeping. Give them a reason to be excited by starting strong and practice this part the most.
- Key Messages. Know the key points you want to make and make sure you make them. Be ready to give your presentation in a smaller time frame than the one you were initially allocated.
- When Less Can Be More. It’s rare that people get mad for being let out early.
- Stories, Analogies, Examples. The best public speakers are great storytellers. Stories, analogies and examples are a great way to engage the audience, simplify complex messages and leave a lasting impression.
Your presentation skills will make you memorable and help you differentiate from the competition…and there is always an opportunity to improve.
How will you ensure you crush your meetings and presentations?