The Leader's Guide to Presenting

Chapter 3

Managing perception

We have discussed how, as a leader, your presentations create certain perceptions in the mind of the audience and that these perceptions are based on largely unconscious judgements. This is important because people buy into ideas emotionally first and then justify them logically. Once you have identified how people perceive you when you present you can turn your attention to managing these perceptions.

Managing the perceptions of others is something that you can do consciously and proactively; it is a matter of influencing. While you cannot control how others perceive you and think about you, you can influence them through demonstrating awareness and behavioural flexibility.

What are some practical steps that ...