The idea that others are watching your every move is downright nerve-wracking. The ability to control and perfect one?s delivery in presentations, including in a job interview or freelance presentation, is a rare and powerful skill only a handful of people possess.
Before your next opportunity to speak to a group, take a deep breath? and learn from the best. Here are 5 all-star orators to look to for guidance, and their chief attributes that can be easily emulated:
Relevance:?Steve Jobs
The late Steve Jobs is a prime candidate for case studies of presentation skills. When on stage, he is articulate, nimble and steadfast.
One of his most overlooked qualities: his ability to make even the most high-brow, technological jargon sound simplistic, even fun. For example,?when introducing the Apple mobile phone in 2007, Jobs showcased and reviewed each the global impact of Apple products that came before the iPhone. He also primed the audience for the complexity and stature of the iPhone? by showing its relevance compared to the previous products.
Keep relevance in mind in your next presentation?? and create cohesiveness and resonance.
Inspiration: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
MLK was not only a fantastic orator, he was also a phenomenal leader in a controversial movement; he is the definition of inspiration. In his famous?I Have A Dream speech, King is bold and declarative in his message ? but more importantly, he features a call to action within his words.
By setting an agenda with purpose behind it, he has given the crowd a clear direction and a path to results. He provided a solution to their hardships, and those who listened followed him passionately.
While you may not be rallying troops for a revolution, it is important to remember that every presentation needs a call to action. Without a sense of purpose and direction, you are just saying words.
Tony Hsieh: Conversation
As the CEO of Zappos, Tony Hsieh is celebrated as an entrepreneur who brings a youthful glow to the business world. His company culture models have been written about and discussed in many circles, and his views on leadership are revered.
What Tony brings to the table is the attribute of?conversation in presentations. He talks to the audience as if they were in his living room, which makes them feel more comfortable and, therefore, more receptive to his message.
Remember not to talk down to your audience; put yourself on the same level as the crowd and have a conversation. Audience engagement yields interactivity, which empowers the audience and increases your rapport with them.
Entertainment:?Chris Rock
Chris Rock is a legend on the comedy scene. He?s known internationally for his stand-up, as well as his big screen endeavors.
Humor is a particularly powerful form of entertainment that can mold an audience?s perception, and Rock uses it to keep his audience intrigued and excited to receive his message. He is dominant, but playful, in his?performances.
Always remember the power of humor in your presentation; it warms the audience to your message and keeps them excited.
Storytelling: Bill Clinton
Our 42nd President is regarded as a highly talented speaker and leader. One of Clinton?s strongest attributes: his ability to tell stories that enable the audience to be a part of the story themselves.
By immersing the audience in a narrative ? as shown in his 2007 Harvard commencement speech???they can truly experience the topic at hand, which gives them a sense of empowerment. And an empowered audience listens well and receives messages with more gusto because they feel as if they are more directly involved.
Everyone has a distinct way they like to, and are best able to, present.? Use these cases as models for your own style of presenting.?It is up to you to determine which attributes are favorable to your style, and to what degree you should apply them. When you embody these attributes, your next presentation will be solid, fresh and unique.
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YouTern is proud to feature this
post from our friends at the YEC (@theYEC)!
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The Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) is an invite-only nonprofit organization comprised of the world?s most promising young entrepreneurs. In partnership with Citi, the YEC recently launched #StartupLab, a free virtual mentorship program that helps millions of entrepreneurs start and grow businesses via live video chats, an expert content library and email lessons.
Image courtesy of returnofkings.com, thank you.
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