How to Kill the Impact of Your Presentation
It is perfectly fine to want to do a good job delivering a sermon, speech, lesson, or talk. Whether we admit it or not, we all enjoy getting a pat on the back following a presentation that we have put time, energy, and effort into. And, I want to make sure this is clear, it is entirely ok to want the results of your presentation to leave your audience feeling inspired, informed, or even intrigued.
But, can I tell you a little secret?
The lights, stage, attentive audience…it can all be quite addicting. There can be a certain rush of excitement or a sense of exhilaration leaving the stage to applause, or the confidence of a job well done. Even those carrying out the sacred act of preaching can begin to become enamored with their own results. Without realizing it, any presenter can begin to care more about how they are perceived than the IMPACT of the message they aim to bring.
A few weeks ago, I published a post called Identifying Your MAP. Like the acronym’s namesake, the MAP exercise is designed to help you, the presenter, determine your destination and begin to plot a course about how to get there. Yet while your Message is likely to be established in advance, and your Audience will consist of whoever takes the time to pay attention, your Purpose can unwittingly shift away from a desire to educate, motivate or persuade and toward a desire to leave the audience solely impressed with you, the presenter.
And sure, there are some who may give you the standing ovation or the rousing commendations following the event. But, I ask you, fellow presenter, are you more concerned with the audience’s response to you, or your message?
Is this presentation simply a career step so you can show everyone how amazing you are, or do you have a message that means something to you? Do you want the result to be your audience feeling educated, motivated, or persuaded? If so, you must consistently measure your motives and approach. There may even come a point when you need to ask a trusted friend to ensure you don’t become enamored with your own abilities.
Please, ENJOY the compliments and pats on the back. Take a deep breath when the audience applauds you, and enjoy the response to your hours of hard work. Just be cautious that the applause and compliments never become your purpose.
That will be a quick way to kill the impact of your presentation.
