Shake all the loose change in your pockets—vigorously! How is “focus” a useful trick of great presenters? [Speak on the Shoulders of Giants]
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SURE-FIRE WAY #2: FOCUS
Use this little trick of the great presenters… Just before presenting, gather all the loose coins and change from your desk and put it in your front pants pockets.
To stay focused while presenting, place both hands in your pockets and play with the change vigorously. In fact, the more hand activity that you exhibit in your pants pockets while presenting, the more assured you can be that the audience will be focused on you and you alone.
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Did you think there was something off about this week’s public speaking tip?
Hold on! Keep reading.
One of our firm’s education arms, the Institute of Strategy and Valuation, published an article titled, “10 Sure-Fire Ways to Improve Your Presentations: A Light-Hearted Look at Public Speaking.”
Addressing the fear that goes with presenting in front of people, the article presents a humorous look into public speaking—including this week’s sure-fire tip.
We are well aware of the stress everyone goes through when they need to represent their brand or company in front of an audience.
If we could avoid being put in that position, we would.
But… that shouldn’t be the mentality!
“If we want to be leaders or achieve anything meaningful in our lives, we will often need to speak to groups, large and small, to be successful.”
Public speaking is an important, learnable skill, we just need to practice.
Yes, it’s easier said than done so we’re here to help and share with you some useful tips!
Looking at this topic from a humorous perspective (instead of the usual serious and fearful way), we know that sure-fire way #2 means the opposite.
FOCUS is a valuable aspect of presenting.
The “useful trick” from presenters that sure-fire way #2 is stating is definitely something you should avoid doing.
As much as possible, you need to focus on your presentation and avoid any distractions so you can deliver your presentation well.
At all costs… make sure that before going up on stage or waiting for your turn to speak that you do not have any loose change in your front pockets or jacket pockets.
That would probably be a good example.
Having a lot of things in your pockets while presenting could be quite distracting. Coins, keys, and metal clamps on IDs could easily make noise when you walk around or make movements.
It’s distracting for your audience and for yourself. Worse, it can even annoy your audience more and more with each noise you unwittingly make during the presentation.
The “focus” that sure-fire way #2 pertains to are YOUR focus as well as your AUDIENCE’S.
It goes both ways.
If you’re prepared and ready (physically and mentally), you’ll be able to present with no worries or distractions.
You’ll have better focus.
If you present yourself well on stage (without noisy pockets), your audience will be ready to listen and excited to hear what you have to say.
They’ll have better focus on you and your presentation.
Try applying this to your next meeting or speaking engagement. It’ll surely make a difference!
The next time you feel nervous or scared of talking in front of an audience, just keep in mind that you’re not the only one who feels that way.
Just remember to focus!
About The Dynamic Marketing Communiqué’s
“Wednesdays: Speak on the Shoulders of Giants”
In a meeting with one person
…a boardroom with five people
…or a huge venue with hundreds of people
—whatever the situation or setting, it’s very important to learn and eventually master the art of public speaking.
No matter what, you always need to effectively get your message across.
What good is a presentation with awesome content if you don’t deliver it properly?
Every Wednesday, we publish different tips, insights, and secrets on how you can improve your presentation skills to captivate your audience and lead interesting discussions.
The need for great presentation skills applies EVERYWHERE.
(Small meetings with your team, big meetings with your boss, an important marketing pitch, speaking engagements for events with a big audience, etc.)
Learning these skills is not just for the corporate world. Being in other industries such as the Arts, Information Technology, Medicine, and Education while knowing how to present well will definitely give you an edge.
Have that advantage.
Hope you’ve found this week’s public speaking tip interesting and helpful.
Stay tuned for next Wednesday’s Speak on the Shoulders of Giants!
Cheers,
Kyle Yu and Joel Litman
Head of Marketing & President and CEO
Valens Dynamic Marketing Capabilities
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