Presentations Training:
Performance Vs. Presentation Course

For you to become the amazing speaker you know you can be, you have to start performing, not presenting. You have to start connecting to the words, stories and topics you are speaking about before your audience will connect to them. This doesn't mean you have to ride into your presentation on a unicycle juggling bowling balls (although, if you can... why not?). It does mean that you have to change your mindset from presenter to performer.

I often get objections to this theory from people I work with. They contend that standing at the front of a conference room speaking is presenting, while standing on a stage at a comedy club is performing. Reality check time - any time you are standing in front of a group of people speaking on any topic, you are in essence performing. When a group of people are assembled together as spectators to hear someone speak at any type of public event, they form what is known as an audience. And, audiences have been conditioned, consciously and unconsciously, to expect some type of performance.

Of course the expectation of the type of performance varies based on where the audience has assembled and for what purpose. An audience at a country music festival expects to see a country music performance. An audience at a comedy club expects to see a professional stand up comedian who will make them laugh.

An audience at a conference or meeting where you will typically be speaking expects to see a presentation that informs, engages and on some level, entertains. Presenting without performing - i.e. standing up there reading PowerPoint slides - meets none of these expectations. The great thing for you is that audience expectations at conferences and meetings are generally pretty low. They're not expecting a song and dance number, or a stand up comedy show. But, they are hoping that your presentation won't be boring.

Sound daunting? It's really not. I have good news and great news for you. The good news is that in your day to day life there are many times when you "perform". By performing I'm talking about subtle, but significant behaviors - like changing the tone of your voice; using physical gestures; being verbally descriptive, etc. My experience is that people naturally do this when they are speaking about a topic they feel some emotional connection to. However, when people get up in front of an audience, they often suppress this natural performing ability, mainly because of fear.

Now, the great news for you is performing skills, like all skills, can be developed and nurtured through the right type of practice, training and coaching. And, many of these performing skills are abilities that you already possess. Further, in terms of performing, a little bit goes a long way. You will be thrilled how a few little changes make your presentation a lot more fun for you and your audience.

By performing - being funny and engaging - you will consistently exceed your audience's expectations!

Source: Dan Licoppe link

Related: Presentation Course

More Presentations Skills Tips