Once you have learnt the theory, had some practice and delivered more than one successful presentation, meeting your desired outcomes, you may be forgiven for expecting every engagement to be a walk in the park. This is unlikely. It’s a bit like buying a “good share” on the stock exchange after receiving a good tip and then expecting the share price to rise each day without ever going the other way. Well, good shares do indeed dip and they can do so in good times and bad times. When there is a downturn in the market, almost all the shares tend to dip!
Each presentation brings with it differing conditions and will produce different outcomes. In order to experience gradual personal improvement as a presenter, you need to keep delivering them, thereby gaining experience. By doing this you will find that your failures will teach you more than your successes and you will continue to improve as you persevere. As with the development of any worthwhile skill, presentation requires ongoing practice and perseverance.
I have heard that the first step in curing alcoholism is to acknowledge your addiction. Only then can you begin the healing process. Without that acceptance of where you are now, no progress is possible. Progress is fuelled by a hunger for improvement, but hindered by delusion.
If you want to learn how to speak to other people with impact and persuade them to your way of thinking, it’s time to take a look at yourself. Discover where you are right now, what factors are helping you to succeed and which ones are standing in your way.
Perhaps you’re a little too intense. Maybe you have a tendency to mumble or waffle. Perhaps you’re a bit too complacent. Whatever it may be, you’ll only discover what it is if you take a good look at yourself. When you accurately identify your current position, you have a powerful base for progress. Without a powerful base, your first steps are always tenuous.
The best way to approach your weaknesses is to refer to them as areas of opportunity. Because your brain is guided by your attitudes, the word “weakness” presents a giant mountain to climb. If you constantly use the word “opportunity” your brain perceives this as being exciting and desirable. This has a positive impact on your brain and will result in far quicker improvement.
