In a presentation training session earlier this year with a group of employees who have to give public comment to neighborhood groups and boards, I noted a particular mindset among trainees that reduced their ability to craft a strong presentation and ultimately led them to miss wonderful opportunities.
It was a simple word spoken that caught my attention.
The word is “just.”
And when participants were asked what the purpose of their presentation was, their responses were, “This is just something I have to do because it’s in the contract,” or “We just have to let the board know where we are on this project.”
These are “ok” answers that lead to “ok” presentations. Furthermore, the “just” mindset completely diminished the importance of the opportunity before them. Perhaps it was a self-protection mechanism to take the pressure off, or they really thought the assignment was a throw away, but if you go into a presentation thinking, I “just” have to do this so I can check a box and get it over, then please spare the audience! Don’t be a box-checking presenter.
A Box-Checking Presenter
Approaching a presentation as simply “box-checking” short-changes the experience for the audience and for you professionally. There is ALWAYS a greater purpose, even if it’s one you create to make it matter. If you have a captive audience, use it.
So yes, of course, outcomes can be “to educate,” but isn’t there usually something you want an educated person to do? So why stop with simply educating someone? Rather than “educate an audience,” INSPIRE an audience. Rather than “update an audience,” CREATE CONFIDENCE in your work product and team.
Rather than “just pitch new ideas,” consider how a presentation can LAY THE FOUNDATION for a long-term relationship.
Your presentation should get people to speak up, advocate, vote, volunteer, be inspired, hire, strengthen relationships, and position speakers as effective thought-leaders.
Now THAT is a goal you can build a presentation around! When the outcome is clear, then and only then, is it time to start on the actual presentation since your goal will define what content you include, visuals you use (or don’t use), how you involve (or don’t involve) the audience, among other aspects. Want to dive deeper into the topic of public speaking? We have more articles to help with that, or reach out and let us know how we can help you.
