If you are old enough to remember – or if you know how to watch YouTube videos – you may be familiar with an old television program called The Gong Show. Legend has it that Chuck Barris – the show’s creator – was trying to put together a legitimate talent program for prime time. After sitting through one horrific audition after another, a bolt of lightning struck: Bad acts are more fun to watch than good ones. Who wants to cheer when you can jeer?
Time has passed and styles have changed and one of the biggest TV hits of all time is a legitimate talent show that has already launched the careers of a number of talented singers.
American Idol is an obsession for fans who watch it with a fervor that borders on zealotry. Following the would-be idols from their initial auditions, through the elimination rounds, all the way to the finals provides drama, entertainment and the kind of must-watch-tonight momentum that has become the hallmark of the show’s success.
It’s easy to see how the qualities that make a great ‘Idol are the same qualities that can help you have success at your next PowerPoint presentation. Chances are you won’t be required to sing or put up with Simon, but there is still a lot to learn from America’s favorite show.
No Sweat
We all know what it’s like to be nervous before we take the stage for our presentation. Imagine what must be going through the minds of the wanna-bes on ‘Idol. How could you possibly cope with a theater full of screaming fans, hanging on your every word? How do they remember their lyrics, hit their marks, smile for the camera, and sell themselves to the millions of fans who are watching at home, deciding their fate? The next time you get a case of nerves about standing at the front of the boardroom, remember how the ‘Idols handle the pressure and take a chill pill.
No Natural Idols
During a given season on ‘Idol, we can see some amazing transformations take place. Every year there is at least one contestant who starts out as a bit of an ugly duckling only to make a legitimate run for the big prize by the end of the season. The contestants get more comfortable performing for the huge audience and you can literally see some of them blossom as they learn to relax. Other performers take criticism to heart – Simon is a jerk, but he’s not stupid – and their performances shine accordingly. Some of the singers find inspiration working with one of the many star performers who tutor them as the shows progress. No matter how it happens, every one of the performers improve on the road to becoming ‘Idols. Great presenters aren’t born either. Seek out advice, guidance, inspiration and direction. Take criticism seriously and model yourself on those who’ve come before you.
Make a Connection
For a novice viewer, it can seem like the judges on ‘Idol wield tremendous power. Of course, that’s not the case. The only people who really matter to the singers are at home watching the performances on their television sets. When you’re launching your presentation the most important goal is creating a connection with your audience. If you make that connection, you’re on your way to being a presentation star in your own right!
