It’s time to bust this thing wide open!
The aim of a “perfect” presentation is the most futile goal you can ever aim for.
Why?
Perfect is how you show the audience you know your stuff.
Perfect is how you look prepared.
Perfect is how you establish credibility.
So what’s the problem?
Real “perfection” unmasked
On stage, you have only a second to grab attention, build confidence and credibility, and establish rapport.
During that second your audience is making snap judgements about you.
…Before you’re anywhere near the meat and potatoes of your presentation.
How “perfect” destroys everything
Perfection is unattainable.
When you’re on stage, the more perfect you try to be, the less perfect you are.
Part of your presentation will always take a hit from your efforts at perfection.
It’s impossibly elusive.
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Your efforts at perfection can trigger immediate distrust
Audiences can tell when you are not being genuine with them.
They know instantly when you are not being yourself.
…And it turns them off. FAST!
The 7 negative “perfectionist by-products”
1. You’ll look nervous
2. Your eye contact will be erratic, un-focused
3. Your visual communication will seem robotic
4. You won’t sound natural
5. Your timing will be out
6. Your interaction will be nonexistent
7. Your audience will be disengaged
The alternative to “perfect”
There is a simple alternative to perfect.
An alternative that requires much less stress and much less preparation.
The alternative to perfect will cause the audience to engage with you and your presentation. It will force the audience to listen and absorb the information you are sharing.
The alternative is to simply be yourself and communicate to connect with your audience.
You can use a very simple evaluation tool to judge whether you are communicating to connect effectively.
Ask yourself:
“Would I communicate this way in regular conversation?” If the answer is no, then consider what needs to change.
What are your thoughts? Let’s chat in the comments below…
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Becky Olson says
Thanks for the great article. I agree that too many people think the perfect speech is what we learn in toastmasters; good opening, body, conclusion, no ums and ahs, perfect eye contact etc. But, to me, the perfect speech happens when I can connect with the audience. I grade that on how many hugs I get at the end. If I get a hug, it’s because I touched a heart and to me, that’s as perfect as I need to be.
ABDUL KADIR AL JAILANI BIN RAMLE says
For me, be frank and tranparent is important in presentation. Body language plays significant role to attract audience engangemeny. I always play K.I.S.S. method when I do presentation.