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In the late 1980s, when I was in the early stages of starting my advertising agency, I received an invitation to speak at a chamber of commerce event in upstate New York. I turned it down. In that moment, the idea of declining may have seemed counterintuitive, especially given my desire to grow the business.
reason? I was afraid. Fear kept me from taking chances to move the agency forward. Not long after that opportunity fell through, a pivotal moment occurred during a staff meeting. A few days after the meeting, the art director approached me and gave me some disturbing but enlightening feedback. He said that even though everyone was confused about certain topics we discussed, he didn’t feel comfortable confronting me about it.
This incident set off a wake-up call for me, forcing me to face my fears and recognize the critical role that effective communication plays in business success. It was clear to me that if I wanted to succeed as a businessman, especially in a leadership role, learning the art of public speaking was not just an option, but a necessity.
Fast forward to today, 40 years later. I started an advertising agency and it has been very successful for almost 20 years. I have been speaking and training all over the world for over 20 years. I can say with 100% certainty that focusing on improving my presentation skills in response to employee feedback was the most important career decision I have ever made.
Related: The complete 20-step guide to becoming an ace in public speaking
You don’t have to be a professional speaker to speak like a professional
Throughout my career, I have had the unique privilege of coaching aspiring professional speakers and numerous executives, helping them become not only better communicators, but also more persuasive presenters. I did. Whether you’re making an important recommendation to a board member, leading a staff meeting, or captivating an audience at an industry conference, your ability to communicate with both passion and precision is paramount. Accuracy here means more than just bullet points. It’s about attacking the key emotional points that truly connect with your audience.
Related: What is a keynote speaker and why is it important?
Improving presentation skills is an ongoing process that can significantly improve a leader’s effectiveness and ability to achieve organizational goals. Here are his seven steps to becoming a better presenter and more effective communicator.
- Understand your audience: Start by researching and understanding your audience. What are their interests, challenges, and expectations? Tailoring your message to your audience’s needs and perspectives increases engagement and impact.
- Master your content: Get to know the inside and out of the material. This means not memorizing the presentation word for word, but becoming familiar with the content so you can adapt on the fly, answer questions, and have meaningful conversations.
- Practice constantly: If possible, practice your presentation multiple times in different settings. This includes practicing in front of a mirror, practicing with a trusted friend or colleague, or recording yourself to check your performance. The goal is to get used to giving birth and refine your pace, tone, and body language.
- Engage in storytelling: Incorporate storytelling into your presentations. Stories are powerful tools for making complex information understandable and memorable. Use personal anecdotes or hypothetical scenarios that resonate with your audience’s experiences.
- Improve your nonverbal communication: Pay attention to your body language, eye contact, and use of space. Nonverbal cues can either reinforce your message or detract from it if not managed well. Be confident in your posture, purposeful in your gestures, and maintain eye contact with your audience to build a connection.
- Manage nervous energy: Learn techniques to manage your anxiety and nervous energy. This may include things like deep breathing exercises, positive visualization, or a pre-presentation routine that helps you focus. Recognize that some tension is natural and can be turned into dynamic energy that enhances your presentation.
- Seek feedback and continually improve. After each presentation, seek constructive feedback from colleagues, mentors, or the audience. Think about what went well and what could be improved. Consider working with a coach or joining an organization like Toastmasters International to gain insight and practice in a supportive environment.
By following these steps and committing to continuous improvement, you’ll become a better speaker and presenter and a more effective communicator who can inspire and lead others with confidence and clarity. .
Related: 10 public speaking hacks we learned from TED talks
Remember that effective public speaking is essential to leadership and is not just a skill. It’s a must have. Now let’s take a closer look at the main benefits of mastering presentation skills for leaders.
- influence and persuasion: Effective presentation skills allow leaders to influence the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of their audience. A persuasive presentation can motivate your team, mobilize stakeholders, and inspire change in your organization. Leaders who are persuasive presenters can better advocate their vision, inspire action, and garner support for their initiatives.
- clarity and direction: Leaders often need to communicate complex information, strategy, and vision to diverse audiences. Being a better presenter will help you convey your message clearly and concisely, reducing misunderstandings and aligning your team with your organization’s goals. A clear presentation can help demystify complex issues and provide a roadmap for what needs to be done.
- trust and confidence: Presentation skills are directly linked to a leader’s credibility. Leaders who present confidently and effectively are more likely to be perceived as knowledgeable and competent. This recognition builds trust within the team and among stakeholders, which is essential for effective leadership and collaboration.
- engagement and inspiration: Dynamic presentation skills help leaders engage audiences emotionally and intellectually. By becoming better presenters, leaders can connect with their audiences on a personal level and foster a sense of community and common purpose. This initiative is critical to inspiring your team and encouraging them to embrace challenges and achieve their goals.
- Adaptability and influence: Leaders must be able to tailor presentations to different audiences and situations. Effective presenters can adjust their message, tone, and delivery to fit the situation, whether it’s motivating a team, pitching investors, or speaking at a large conference. This adaptability maximizes the impact of your communications and ensures that your messages resonate widely and deliver the desired results.
In conclusion, becoming a great presenter is a personal and professional evolution that demonstrates a leader’s commitment to excellence and impact. It is a path that amplifies the effectiveness of leaders and improves the organization as a whole. For leaders looking to leave a lasting mark on their teams, stakeholders, and industry, honing their presentation skills isn’t just a strategy, it’s a mission. As we have seen, the benefits are clear, transformative, and within reach for those who are ready to embrace the challenges and harness the power of truly impactful communication.