Enthusiasm makes the difference

For every presentation I’ve attended in my career, I’d say that 5% of presenters are great, and 95% of presenters could do much better.

Why is that? There are many variables, but the one thing that I find is that the boring presenters usually lack one thing.

Do you know what that one thing is? Yes, you’re right! It’s the lack of energy … the lack of enthusiasm!

Imagine a light bulb with an energy rating that ranges between 5 watts to 100 watts (maximum). I like to play a little mind game each time a presenter comes to the stage to present.

I like to estimate where they are showing wattage. If they’re boring me, it’s usually that they’re speaking in the sub 50s wattage. And if they’re enthusiastic? They would be in the high 80 to 90 watts. Even 100 watts!

When someone is a great presenter, and outstanding examples include Sean Connery, Sir David Attenborough, actor Tom Hiddleston, and Barack Obama, they light up the room with 100 watts!

Enthusiasm is catching. An enthusiastic sales-person, manager, leader, entrepreneur, or businessperson can ‘light’ up others with their enthusiasm.

With this optimistic energy, people like to be with enthusiastic people, who make inflections at the right point, who project their voices, who have a presence, who have style, and who have that energy.

That’s the X factor at work!

You need to work at it. As they say, you have one chance to make a good first impression. Don’t squander that opportunity to make a difference with your enthusiasm.

Even if you don’t feel like it, just act enthusiastic and you will feel great and ready to influence others.

From today, speak with enthusiasm. You will feel the difference in how people respond to you!