The World’s Best Speakers!

The Idea: Nobody trusts perfect people, so why do we try to give perfect presentations?  My experience tells me it doesn’t work, in fact perfect presentations may hurt you.  We all want to engage with people who are comfortable with themselves and have found their voice. Your most persuasive self is your true self, not the imposter.  Let’s face it, the very best public speakers, presenters and professionals are comfortable with themselves and embrace breaking many of the rules of public speaking.

“They are very animated and often times too passionate.”

“They are so scripted that they are appear not scripted.  They know exactly what they want to share, but are flexible, adapting and responding to the audiences’ needs.  They are in the moment.”

“They are very comfortable, almost too comfortable making mistakes while giving a talk. They are not afraid of exposing their weaknesses in public venues.”

They world’s best speakers tap into their own unique voice and their passions.  And it is compelling!

Positioning yourself as the smartest person in the room is a recipe for failure. An audience wants to see your humanity before they buy your ideas.   Open up and show yourself (warts and all) before sharing your ideas. Sharing your story allows others to move from judge to participant and creates an authentic bond.

The very best leaders and communicators look for moments to share parts of their own story.  Their humanity bubbles up and it’s real. They don’t control their emotions; they openly release them.

What does it feel like when someone gives you a presentation?  It’s stifling.  The most engaging communicators don’t give presentations; they share compelling (yet relevant) stories that connect with the listener on a personal level.  They don’t try to impress; they speak in plain language which encourages connection.  The very best speakers are deeply aware of how they affect others.  

Keep in mind these three ideas prior to your next big meeting or presentation.

 

  • Simplify. Learn to share the right ideas; and never reference a slide with too much distracting busy content.  Truth be known, too much content on a slide says I am hiding behind my notes. You are the messenger and you are the presentation.  Slides or a presentation must direct the audience eyes back to you.

  • Visuals. We think in visuals & stories and are compelled by images.  In fact, we process images 60,000 times faster than words!  That is how we think.  Bullet points are for “shopping lists” not experiential presentations. Take the time to personally design slides that create emotion and imagery, not boredom.

  • Stories. The very best presenters and public speakers understand that a 30-minute talk deserves 15 hours of preparation.  Crafting a winning story takes reflection, practice, eliciting others opinions and days of pondering.  As Mark Twain reminds us “It usually takes me more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech.”

 

A great speaker is never evaluated by the quality of their content or the style of their prose, but by what the audience feels.  

Business presentations and meetings are moments to connect, inspire and educate.  

Have you found your voice?