Like making a good sauce, there are so many ingredients that go into making a great presenter. I happen to believe there is one particular ingredient that stands out from all the rest. Ironically, it’s a somewhat overlooked component because many believe this particular ingredient can’t be acquired. Most people think it’s something you’re born with. Fear not, I happen to disagree.
Do you have a sense of what this particular ingredient might be? Here are some popular choices:
Let’s begin with knowledge. If we were playing Family Feud, that would be the #1 answer. I’m not suggesting a speaker should take being a subject matter expert lightly, but what I am suggesting is that, in my humble opinion, knowledge is the single most overrated response to what makes a speaker great. Don’t believe me? Take a moment and think about one of the greatest speaker you ever saw take a stage, and ask yourself this: Was it their display of intelligence and subject knowledge that made them such a memorable speaker? No, I’m going to guess on that one.
Maybe it’s a combination of two of my favorite ingredients that no speaker should be without; energy & enthusiasm. Oh, how I love those two ingredients. I respect them so much, and I often refer to them as “the great equalizers.” Without them, whatever we’re serving is severely diminished. But they are not my #1 ingredient. I’ve seen speakers who jump around a lot, but without the ingredient I’m suggesting. Their energy and enthusiasm seemed a bit staged and lacking authenticity.
Let’s throw in one last ingredient so many speakers put a lot of effort into, and that’s visual aids. The most popular choice here continues to be PowerPoint. It’s surprising how long this particular visual aid has dominated the professional speaking world. Yes, if it’s overused, it can destroy even the best presentation. When it’s used properly, it’s an amazing tool. Still, let’s not fool ourselves into believing that this, or any well-used visual aid, represents the single, most important element a speaker brings to the table.
So, there are your three runners-up. I’d hate to take the stage without them, but if we’re talking about what truly separates the good from the great, then our sauce is still missing its most important component. I’m referring to the ingredient of timing. When you see it or hear it, you know it. Actually, a better way of saying it is; you feel it. Timing separates the words from the tune, and timing is what makes others believe you.
Although most people won’t argue the importance of timing, they will argue that they’ll never be able to learn how to do that. Rather than throw our hands in the air, and dismiss this critical element of communicating because, “it’s not natural for many,” let’s figure out a few ways to improve it. Here are four of my favorite tools to improve timing:
- Slow everything down. If you’re not feeling some sort of adrenaline, you’re not performing, and that adrenaline tends to speed everything up. Slow down, and whatever you think is slow enough, slow down a little more. I’m sure that scares a few people, but ask yourself, “When I’m at Starbucks having a cup of coffee, what is my speaking pace?” That’s the one we’re looking for here, and I can promise that you won’t lose your audience.
- Pause more. I’m not exactly sure why people don’t do this. I suppose it’s because so many of us are so deathly afraid of silence. For the record, when you do pause, you send a message to those you are communicating with that you find value in the conversation, and are processing what is been said.
- You’re not speaking to an audience; you’re speaking with them. Imagine your audience consists of one person. If you were talking with just one person, you probably wouldn’t have to be concerned about timing at all. Being more aware of taking pauses will go a long way in helping you to do it more.
- Get in character, and stay in character. Most great actors will spend a considerable amount of time getting in touch with, and learning, the type of character they will be playing. If the character is a fisherman, they’ll study fishermen and do as much as possible to think and act like a fisherman. This allows them to not just speak the words, but feel them. Think of your presentation as a performance, and put some time into understanding your You will be playing the role of a confident, and capable speaker. What qualities do they possess that you want to look and sound like? That’s your character. Think it. Eat it. Breathe it.
In the end, focusing on timing is a lot like focusing on music. Don’t just play the music; feel the music. When you do, you’ll move from talking to an audience to talking with an audience, and the timing you seek will be right there by your side.
My new podcast, The Presentation Whisperer Show, is up and running!
You’ll hear candid conversations with top professional speakers, seasoned trainers, and authors finding their voice. We’ll be uncovering the secrets behind powerful delivery and go beyond the surface to reveal what really makes a presentation resonate. Whether you’re a keynote speaker, a trainer, or simply someone with a message to share, you’ll walk away with practical tools and inspiring ideas to elevate your delivery. Give it a try! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-presentation-whisperer-show/id1844512932
Because every presentation matters.
To all fans of The Blarticle®
After sixteen years and over 500 posts, I’ve gathered some of my very best into a new book: It’s a Blarticle®! 45 Quick, Powerful Lessons in Persuasion, Performance & Personal Growth.
You can find it now at all major online retailers, including Amazon, in both paperback and eBook formats…
…but since you’ve made it this far, I’ll take that as proof you’re a true Blarticle® fan! I’d like to thank you with a free copy of the eBook. Grab yours here: https://jolles-associates.kit.com/ebook
I hope you enjoy it, and as always, I hope you and can take something from it.
Stop Winging It. Start Winning It.
Whether you’re on stage or in the sales seat, there’s a smarter way to show up.
From keynotes that land, to sales tactics that stick, I coach my clients to perform like pros!
If you’re serious about raising your game, let’s talk.
If you follow me on LinkedIn, and I sure hope you do, https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-jolles-8a459b12/ I have a newsletter called, “When Every Word Matters,” a biweekly dose of tips, tactics, and techniques to boost your communication game! If you aren’t connected with me on LinkedIn, reach out! https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-jolles
What do you get when combine energy, enthusiasm… and great content? You get a “Pocket Sized Pep Talk,” and there are now over 500 of them! Tune in and you’ll hear a collection of conversations, interviews, and even some BLArticles® that are sure to teach, motivate, inspire, and oh yes; entertain! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pocket-sized-pep-talks/id1497772972
Once again Rob knocks it out of the park. Thank you, Rob, for helping us improve our communication, for it is the oxygen of our relationships, both as speakers and just as everyday people.
I was never much of a power hitter, so on a good day, I’d hustle around for an inside the park homer! Thanks of much for the kind words John.
Energy and Enthusiasm – The Great Equalizers! Love it!!
Thank you Rob
Funny, I’ve ALWAYS linked those two words together than way. I think you know I wear a small lightning bolt lapel pin the remind of the Great Equalizers!
Well said Rob. Thanks for taking us down the path from basic competence to greatness.
We’ve walked that path together Dana. I’ve seen you on stage and you are amazing!