One Thing Most Presenters. When I was in college, I was required to take a class in business law. While it wasn’t my area of study, I was interested in the legal system and excited about the class.
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The one component that many presenters miss when preparing for their presentations is the desire to convey value to the audience. This critical aspect is often overlooked in favor of expertise and excitement about the material. However, when we present, we aren’t there for ourselves, but rather to educate and inform others.
I recall a class in business law that I took in college where hundreds of students were enrolled. To provide individual attention, we were assigned to a weekly discussion section led by a graduate assistant. He was responsible for answering questions, engaging us in dialogue, and grading our assignments.
The graduate assistant’s approach was refreshing, especially when compared to our professor. At the start of the first discussion section, he said, “The one thing you need to know about this course is that the professor doesn’t care about you.” This statement piqued our interest and encouraged us to stick with him throughout the course.
He emphasized that while the professor was an expert in his field and passionate about the law, he was not dedicated to teaching. In fact, the professor’s lack of involvement and interest in the class made it challenging for the students to succeed. The graduate assistant, however, was invested in our success and worked diligently to guide us through the course.
Reflecting on this experience, I realized that it taught me a valuable lesson about effective presentations. Many presenters assume that their expertise and enthusiasm for the subject matter are enough, but they often neglect the most critical component: the desire to provide value to the audience.
Expertise and excitement about the material are essential, but they are not enough. When we present, we must remember that our primary goal is to educate and inform others, not to impress them with our knowledge or showcase our confidence.
Effective presenters focus on understanding what their audience needs to know to perform well in their jobs. They strive to ensure that their message is relevant, engaging, and free from mental obstacles that may hinder the audience’s understanding. They work as hard to address these areas as they do on content and confidence.
Therefore, when preparing for your next presentation, ask yourself, “If I were attending this presentation and had little knowledge of the topic, what would be most helpful to me?” By focusing on the audience’s needs and desires, you can bridge the gap and deliver a presentation that truly makes a difference.
What is one thing you’ve seen an effective presenter do to ensure their audience received value?
Key Takeaways
- Expertise and enthusiasm about the subject matter are essential but not enough.
- Desire to provide value to the audience is the missing component of effective presentations.
- Effective presenters focus on understanding the audience’s needs and delivering relevant information.
Presentation skills are essential in conveying information and engaging audiences. Consider implementing strategies to deliver a more valuable presentation.
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