On one occasion I watched a mature man in a management position present in a very unconvincing and shy manner. I doubt that a child would have accepted a free ice cream sundae from him, so apologetic was his delivery. At the tea break we struck up an informal conversation. He related to me how he had recently been passed over for promotion. If you could have experienced the passion in his words, brought about by the hurt he was feeling at that moment, you would have observed someone who indeed possessed the ability to speak with authority.
If you’ve ever witnessed a technically competent presentation and wondered why you weren’t convinced, the underlying reason might be a lack of enthusiasm. Beware also of the converse – overkill. Your audience will quickly read insincerity into an attempt at forced enthusiasm.
You have probably bought something you didn’t really need at some time in your life, purely because you were persuaded at the time that it was a good idea. What persuaded you? Logic? Unlikely. It’s more probable that the salesperson’s enthusiasm hooked you. Enthusiasm is a vital presentation tool, particularly when it is authentic and not overdone. It comes across best when the presenter is convinced of the benefits of the product and has a true belief in the results it will produce. One senses an almost tangible excitement! Best application? Know your stuff and have a clear idea about how you are going to put this exciting message across and deliver your message with passion. You’ll be irresistible!
Paul du Toit, Certified Speaking Professional and author of “Even YOU Can Present with Confidence”
