This week, the world is reflecting a lot on Michael Jackson’s life. His legacy includes unforgettable music, good memories of Jheri curl and a remarkable gift to 80’s fashion – the glitter glove. Although frequently overlooked, he also left behind lyrics that can teach everyone a few things about good presenting . . . because it isn’t as easy as 123.
Too often you have experienced the feeling of dread before another sure to be boring presentation. You hear the door slam and realize there’s nowhere left to run. You feel the cold hand and wonder if you’ll ever see the sun. You close your eyes and hope that this is just imagination . . . . But, you know this presentation isn’t going to be a thriller. When you’re down and out and there seems no hope at all, remember that we are the ones who make a brighter day, so let’s start giving the world better presentations.
The Way You Make Me Feel
Don’t underestimate the power of your appearance. To your audience, you personify your presentation, and how you look reflects how seriously you take your subject. Be the cover that goes with the book of your presentation. You’d like your audience to leave thinking, “You’re just a product of loveliness. I like the groove of your walk, your talk, your dress.” Well, you might not want to fully turn audience members on, but you would like them to see you as the professional expert you are. If that means donning a red leather jacket from 1982, seriously think about it. Then think long and hard about your chosen area of expertise.
Say Say Say
Make your presentation easy for your audience to grasp. Say say say what you want, but don’t leave your audience with no direction. When preparing a presentation, you may think everything is clear because you understand it yourself. Remember, however, that you’re the expert and that your audience isn’t as familiar with your presentation topic. Always find a person with the same amount of background knowledge as your audience to listen to your presentation and give you feedback on what might be over your audience’s head.
Don’t Stop ‘til You Get Enough
Sometimes your audience will turn on you because they don’t like the message you’re presenting. Even the best presenters have experienced an audience that told him, don’t you ever come around here. Don’t wanna see your face, you better disappear. Yep, the fire’s in their eyes and their words are really clear, and you’ll want to beat it, just beat it. Whether you are informing employees about impending layoffs or explaining falling profits to investors, don’t stop ‘til you get enough understanding from them that you hear their concerns. Encourage people to ask questions and discuss problems constructively.
Man in the Mirror
You’re the power behind making the presentation world better. And, you already know that if you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and then make a change. Dare to be bad (in an awesome way). Before you begin planning your presentation, pump yourself up. Look at the man or woman in the mirror and say, “Well they say the sky’s the limit, and to me that’s really true. But my friend you have seen nothin’. Just wait ’til I get through . . . .” If you start your presentation with that attitude, you won’t ever have to beg your audience, “Oh baby, give me one more chance to show you that I love you. Won’t you please let me back in your heart?” because, just like the Michael Jackson’s immortal lyrics, you’ll already be there.
