LA 065: The Secrets to Being an Exceptional Presenter

It’s all about being “natural” or “charismatic”! It is, you’re right of course. So shall we mere mortals give up then? It is true that some people appear “natural” and “charismatic” when they deliver a talk or presentation. But they usually neglect to tell you the real secret of their confidence and “natural” ability: that they are exceptionally well prepared, and have fine-tuned this and practised it multiple times. I know, because I am one of those people. Workshop participants and attendees for my keynotes often remark how “engaging”, “entertaining” and “insightful” I am sharing this with you not to brag, but to humbly tell you that I wasn’t always this good. Furthermore, I am not as good today as I will be tomorrow! For today is another day to prepare, practice and hone my presentation, my message or my keynote. I am not especially gifted. I am rather introverted, though I may be less frightened than some people of being the centre of attention. I am anxious before every single presentation. And I am fully prepared for 75% of them. Another 5% is when I am caught off-guard and I am suddenly expected to speak wonderously and my mind scrambles for something poignant and fabulous. As for the rest – those I think I can wing it. I’m wrong, of course, but they are learning moments all. These “secrets” of great presenting are available to anyone with the will and desire to make an impact and be the change they want to make in the world. PIMP stands for Purpose, Importance, Method, and Product. The four essential elements of being exceptionally well prepared for your presentation, indeed any communication. Think of the last presentation you attended or watched, that resonated with you. You can remember the presentation vividly, you knew why you were there and how it was important for you. You also had a clear idea of what you were supposed to do after the presentation. The presenter communicated very effectively with you, engaging you personally and you felt a real connection with them. You recall ideas and specific stories from that presentation. Well, that was a PIMPed presentation. Now, if you are wishing that you had attended a presentation like that but cannot, for the life of you, recall one. Then that is sad. You have yet to experience a PIMPed presentation. But fret not. Before long you will be delivering one yourself and, just to be sure, you should video record it and watch it later. That way, you will have both delivered and watched a great, memorable, purposeful presentation. When you, and your audience, know the purpose of your presentation, they know what you intend to achieve and that this matters to them. When you and your audience members understand what is important to each member, then they realise the value of your presentation. When you choose to tailor and deliver your presentation in the most appropriate and engaging method for your audience, then they will understand your message easily. When you and your audience know the product of your presentation, they know precisely what they will be doing with the information now. Of course, there’s only one way to begin discussing how to PIMP your presentation than using that same format and approach here. So let’s start with your Purpose (and mine) My Purpose in this series of presentations is to encourage you to adopt the PIMP process to all of your presentations from now on. Indeed, I am going to encourage you to use this for all of your communications from here on in. Why should you adopt PIMP? PIMPing your presentations will allow you to quickly and easily prepare exceptionally well for any presentation you make. Even when you present on the spur of the moment! This will enable you to prepare to communicate in the way your audience’s brains work. You might think that it is super obvious that it would be greatly beneficial if all of our communication was prepared and delivered in the way the recipient's brain receives and processes information, but it is surpri