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| Photo by Johnny Delos Santos |
The last time you saw a movie that you really liked, you
surely told your friends about it. You were enthusiastic. You didn’t make up
anything. You didn’t memorize anything.
That’s the best way to
make a presentation.
Working for over 30 years now, I have done hundreds, maybe
thousands of presentations. I know I was most ineffective when I did not know
the subject matter by heart. Or when I did not completely agree with what we’re
presenting because corporate teamwork sometimes requires you to co-own an idea
you don’t even like.
We get nervous when we have to remember details we have not
mastered. When we know the panel may ask questions we cannot answer. When we
don’t know how to defend the loophole in our case.
That’s why the great author Mark Twain said “ if you tell the truth, you don’t have to
memorize anything.”
To present effectively, know in your heart that you’re
presenting what you truthfully think is the best idea. You may be open to the
fact that there must be a better idea somewhere. But as far as you’re
concerned, you know you did your homework.
It’s so much like telling your friends about an engaging book,
a really cool guy, a great vacation, etc. If your presentation comes with
similar feelings, the audience will see that you’re truly happy to share a solution. They can see it in your eyes, they will
sense it in your voice. They will believe you.
(Caution: don’t overdo the enthusiasm part or you might
sound like a snake oil salesman. Just have enough confidence and a calculated
amount of humility.)
Yes, it’s easy. But not that too easy.
It requires preparation. It requires doing your best before
facing the audience. It requires a team meeting in which everyone will be on
the same page.
Even though “you don’t have to memorize anything,” you
should actually have a mental outline. It’s also important to plan how to
present your case using the most appropriate and only the necessary amount of
words. This part reminds me of one of my favorite ad agency mottos: The truth well told. ( By McCann Erickson, an ad company that I didn't get a chance to join. )
Even though you are sure of your idea, recognize the fact
that nobody is superhuman. Your audience
may have comments, input and contrary opinions.
You shouldn’t worry if you really prepared well because you
can nicely answer all these questions and comments that you have anticipated. And because you studied
your subject matter thoroughly, you can tell for yourself which comments really
make sense. Accept the comments, valid or not so, graciously and offer a plan on how to address
them. Don’t worry, the audience is always forgiving of a presenter who came for
a good exchange of ideas.
Back in my ad agency days, there were some frantic times
when we finished the work last minute and only had time to master the
presentation part. We wouldn’t have time to anticipate the questions and to
rehearse the answers. We didn’t have time to ask ourselves if we truly believed
in our proposals. Those are the times that we didn’t win the pitch.
A presentation is not a battle for intellectual supremacy.
Think of it as just a conversation about win-win plans then you will feel more
relaxed, more confident, less defensive. Don’t look at you and your audience as
two teams meeting half court. Instead, imagine it as a huddle, and make it sound
like so.
That’s all for now. I
suggest you go out on a date tonight. If it turns out good, see how you will
enthusiastically tell your friends about it.
If you have concerns about your job or if you wish to
suggest a topic, you may email me at rglabayen@gmail.com
I would assume that you’re giving me permission to
publish your email ( if chosen) and my reply. Your identity will not be
disclosed.
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