Mindfully Speaking

We live in a rapidly changing world. If everything has changed as such an exponential rate then the question is, what has changed in public speaking and presenting. Have presenters kept up with the pace of change? Are business presentations better, the same or worse that a decade ago.

A vast number of presenters use visual aids such as PowerPoint. Truth 4 shares our belief that there is nothing wrong with PowerPoint; it can be used beautifully or miserably. The challenge in public speaking and presenting is to breathe life into our words which visual can help with if used effectively while presenting.

Truth 5 shares our belief that presenters need to connect emotionally as well as intellectually with their audience. A presentation or presenter at a public speaking even whose only intention is to inform and engage their audience will lose their attention.

Truth 7 shares our belief that every presentation should be highly tailored and made personal and relevant to each audience. A presenter with the mindset that every public speaking opportunity is the same is doomed. When it comes to presenting and public speaking one size definitely doesn't fit all.

Public speaking confidence is a gift we can all inherently tune into. Many presenters experience a high level of nerves before the presentation but we all have our own confidence thermostat we can turn up when we need to.

Presenting or engaged in any public speaking event you have moments to capture your audience's attention, interest and curiosity. The first thing they care about isn't you. Exceptional presenters open their presentation with impact.

If you are presenting or part of any public speaking event it's not enough to just be yourself. Truth 1 shares our belief that authenticity involves far more than being ourselves; we need to be our best selves.

Truth 2 shares our belief that most presenters don't prepare properly for a presentation and what preparing effectively really looks like. To present effectively and connect in public speaking we have to prepare.

Truth 3 shares our belief that when it comes to public speaking and presenting everyone gets nervous. How a presenter harnesses and uses that nervous energy is the issue. Whether their anxiety is visible during the presentation is also interesting.

Truth 6 shares our belief that the vast majority of business presentations are far too long and could be delivered in at least half the time with much more impact. When it comes to public speaking and presenting exceptional presenters believe in the principal that 'less is more'.

Anyone can dramatically improve their public speaking and presentation skills. A tree can't be anything other than a tree. A presenter can be as effective as they choose to be.

If you are a presenter or public speaker the one thing that you need to know is that every audience wants the 'gold'. A presentation without 'gold' is simply a data dump of noise.

Mindful presenting and high impact public speaking isn't about meditating. Presenter need a high level of awareness, clarity and focus. A successful presentation requires presence.

Successful presenting and high impact public speaking is measured by how the presenter helps the audience to remember the message, how the presenter makes them feel and what the audience does after the presentation.

Leaders have a significant role to play in helping people to present and speak with confidence. Leading the way in public speaking and delivering presentations in the workplace has to come from leaders.