There was a time when giving presentations meant copying a certain style of delivery. The “proper” presenter spoke with a resonant voice for radio, didn’t move much, and used stiffly controlled gestures. He or she was expected to formally demonstrate perfect poise and show no rough edges. The “best” presenters came across like onscreen narrators of old-school educational films—flawless execution, and bland as potatoes. 

To some degree, that style is still seen today in TV news magazine shows such as CBS Sunday Morning, 20/20, and 60 Minutes,  in which the hosts convey a formal, neutral quality that allows, by contrast, the personality of the stories to stand out. 

With the possible exception of the aforementioned shows, the rigid expectations of the past for “perfect” delivery have relaxed over time. That’s not to say that formality in presentations is outmoded; it’s still expected in many cultures and is essential anywhere the topic, setting, or audience calls for it. But we no longer expect presenters to fit a certain prescribed mold. There’s more “room” today for all of us to express ourselves more freely and creatively—to have a conversation with the audience (or the appearance of it)—even in more traditional business presentations. 

This more relaxed attitude might be due, in part, to our watching millions broadcast their ideas, tutorials, and random thoughts from their basements and bedrooms on YouTube and other social media. We don’t bat an eye at the fact that the guy teaching us HTML is wearing pajamas, or that the interview with our favorite author is a little out-of-focus. If we need the information or find the topic interesting, we’re happy to overlook the imperfections.

Although these and other influences may be softening our attitudes about what makes for an acceptable presentation, there’s a higher bar in the workplace. To varying degrees, most companies hold standards for presentations—there’s simply too much at stake without them. Yet all too often companies don’t teach those standards, let alone verbalize them; they just know a good or bad presentation when they see one. And that’s a problem, because the default “hit or miss” approach is inevitably a big loss for the presenter, the audience, and the business. 

My writings in the See Your Potential blog include discussions of practical skills and guidelines that are arguably the presentation standards for professional speakers and the best communicators in any arena. And I’ll share insights and stories from my own experience as well as those of my colleagues. 

I’ll also write about that which can’t be taught (or at least not easily): namely, the fundamental respect that presenters must have for their message and listeners. Great presenters are great communicators. It matters to them that their message is relevant to the audience. It matters that they are heard and understood, that the message sent is the message received. Great presenters care about the clarity of the content and its impact on their listeners. Rather than just “show what they know,” they continuously connect with the audience. And they know that every presentation is an opportunity to bring value to others; to lead and make a difference. 

It’s my pleasure to welcome you into these conversations. I hope you’ll join me!