What I think this Poll is telling us.

Last week I did a poll, with the following question:??what is your biggest challenge ????when giving a presentation?

As you can see, "presenting clearly & engagingly" is the biggest challenge for most people, while "preparing effectively" in on the last place.

Although this is a truly small poll, only 10 respondents, it does support a strong belief I have for many years.

And that is:

We think we know how to prepare, hence the low percentage. But this is not the case.

Because, if we would know how to properly prepare.

• We would present clearly and engagingly.?
• Our nerves would play a lesser part.?

So, the problem here is a bit like trying to run, because we think we can walk.

Why?

Because when you know how to properly prepare:

• You’ll connect with your audience.
• You’ll have an eye for time-management.
• You’ll attain your presentation goals with ease.
• You’ll present fluently because you practiced out loud (part of your preparation). And
• Practicing out loud, helps getting your nerves down.?

And, if you do not know how to properly prepare.

• People tune out, because we often try to push a big elephant (too much information) in a tiny box (presentation). And we unjustly think it is because, we are not engaging speakers.?
• We do not come across as convincing and professional, because too much energy goes to retrieving the information and as a result there can be a lot of "ehhs". We unjustly think, we are not talented as a speaker.?
• We've lost overview, we lose track. Which is normal, if you try to put too much information into a presentation and if you do not practice before.?
• We get really nervous, because how to get all this information to the other side, without forgetting something and making a mistake? Again, which makes total sense. I would for sure.

The danger, however, will be, once you learn how to properly walk, you might start thinking you are a talented speaker ??. Because your running will be so smooth and feel so much better.?