How to Present, 2nd Edition

CHAPTER 11Managing your nerves

Have you ever sat in a presentation as an audience member and thought to yourself that it wouldn't matter if you just got up and left, or turned your camera off, because the presenter didn't look at you once? It's as if they didn't realise you were even there! In these situations, the presenter often spends more time looking at their slides and talking at you than meeting your needs and connecting with you. It's really just another ‘blah, blah, blah' scenario, isn't it?

To make sure you create a wonderful connection with your audience and don't fall into the same trap, when it's time to deliver your presentation it's essential to remember: It's not about me. It's all about the audience!

TIP

Michelle says,

‘Remember: It's not about you. It's all about the audience!'

April's story

I went to a presentation run by a presenter called April. I was one of around 200 people in the room. I didn't know the presenter personally, yet by the end of the presentation I felt as though I was one of her friends.

As she spoke to all of us, I had a powerful sense that I was the only person in the room. I felt completely and utterly mesmerised by her message and compelled to take action because it was like being in a personal mentoring session, rather than in a room full of hundreds of people. Have you ever had an experience like that yourself?

April focused on giving me direct, sincere, connected eye contact. She looked at me as though I was important ...