You either got it or you don’t. You can shake it or you can’t. You’ve got the moves or you better move off the dance floor.
When it comes to dancing many of us – especially us guys – can get colder feet than when we are about to begin a do-or-die presentation. Dancing brings out a lot of insecurities. It involves a kind of freedom of expression that many people find unnerving. Unless you regularly hit the Salsa club, dancing is also an activity that most of us don’t engage in regularly and that makes it doubly difficult.
These are the reasons why Dancing with the Stars has become such a big hit!
American television audiences love watching familiar faces come to grips with unfamiliar circumstances. We’re used to watching our favorite actors and athletes in situations where they are completely in control of themselves, demonstrating why they are at the top of their professions. Just the opposite is true when they hit the dance floor.
This awkward collision of fame, confidence, shame, and humiliation is downright addicting to TV fans, and – it just so happens – is also full of great pointers for presenters!
Expect the Unexpected
Most of the novice dancers on this show screw up really badly at least once on their way to the final dance-off. The best among them aren’t the ones who perform flawlessly – they rarely do. The fast-learners are the ones that let go of their mistakes quickly and move right into the next spin or dip. Keep this in mind. Things will go wrong in your next presentation. The important thing is to be able to roll with the punches and make a flawless recovery.
Go with the Flow
When we dance, tension is the enemy. Usually dancers screw up when they start thinking too much, anticipating a move they can’t recall. The truth is, a well choreographed dance routine has a rhythm and a flow of its own, and if you can relax and go with it the next move will come naturally. Take the time to build your presentation thoughtfully with care. By the time to take the mic you’ll be able to relax and rely on your great presentation to carry you!
Strength in Vulnerability
This is the real secret weapon that we have discovered by watching DWTS: The dancers who connect with the audience are the ones who don’t hide their awkward, nervous, out-of-their-comfort-zone selves. The most endearing dancers on the show work hard and they go for it when they hit the boards, but they don’t try to hide all the contradictory impulses that find them in such an ambivalent position. Be open! Be yourself! Of course you’re nervous. It’s OK! When you launch into your well-prepared presentation the combination will be positively delirious!