What is it about presentations that makes otherwise talented people go into robot mode when they open their mouths? You know what I mean, when-the-words-come-out-in-an-unnatural-monotone-staccato fashion. Or, if not that, then the phrasing sounds like a car bumping along, starting, stopping, starting, stopping as in “One of the things — we want– to talk about — today — is how to improve — client–retention.”
Why Do People Torture Themselves (& Their Listeners) This Way?
In my coaching experience over thirty years, it is usually due to one or more of these reasons:
- Fear of making a mistake. Presenter is focusing on his performance rather than on connecting
with his audience. - Too much practice. Presenter memorized the presentation and is mentally recalling it as he speaks.
- Lack of preparation. Presenter is making it up as he goes along. (No comment.)
Get Real
If you or someone on your team suffers from “robo-delivery,” try these remedies
- Beginnings and endings are very important, so practice to get your opening and closing down pat. Then, just be very familiar with the rest of the material. Depending on its complexity, go over it 5-6 times. Don’t memorize it. Being very familiar with the material will allow you to come across with a much more natural conversational rhythm and allows for spontaneous appropriate comments and humor.
- Get to the meeting early and make small talk with some of the group members. Ask what they are hoping to learn from your presentation. Then, when you are in front of the group, you can reference them, or just look at them as someone you already know. These pre-meeting short chats go a long way to humanizing the group for you.
- Stop thinking about how you are doing and focus on how what you are saying is of value to your audience. That switch in thinking will have unexpected delivery benefits for you: You will unconsciously be more “present” with the group which means you will move forward with your body; your hands will likely come into play in a good way to support what you are saying; and your inflections will become more varied, making you a more dynamic speaker.
- Address your remarks to one or two people at a time. When you have finished a sentence, or when you have to breathe, move randomly to another individual, or couple, for the next thought. This will help you breathe normally, control your nerves, speak conversationally, and forever eliminate robo-delivery!
Unless you are an entertainer, audiences don’t come to judge you for an Emmy or Oscar. They want to hear good information, of value to them, and delivered by someone who is credible, engaging, and authentic.
Leave the robots for the movies.
Anne Miller
Words Matter – Make What You Say Pay!
Random Recommendation
Related Blog : Don’t Let “Mental Trash” Ruin Your Presentations
Do Your Sales or Presentations Stop Just Short of Success?
- Do you want to close business faster?
- Do you want to be a more compelling presenter?
- Are you a pro who wants an objective “sales & presentation check-up?”
If you answered “YES” to any of these questions, let’s get you to the next level of success for your business!
We can work in-person or remotely. Contact me today! 212-876-1875 amiller@annemiller.com
Like these posts? Please share them with friends, colleagues, & clients. Thank you!