Are You There? Be Present at Your Presentation
Kristin A., Center for Creative Leadership Consultant
Whenever you're introducing transformation or launching a major initiative, you'll be addressing a group that's sharply attentive to everything about your message. Chances are, the gossip has preceded your speech, and everyone is wondering how they and the company will be affected by the changes. They need to know that you are there for them as they work through challenges and uncertainties.
Which means that you have to be there in your presentation. Really be there, not just mouthing words at your audience but showing your own feelings, listening, responding, actively seeking their input, and acting on it.
From what we've observed, this is difficult for many CEOs and managers. They seem stiff, as though they're reading lines written by (and sometimes for) someone else. They emit platitudes that distance them from the attendees. As a result, people who are listening for leadership qualities are disappointed, and the speaker loses credibility.
Here are some ways to avoid these pitfalls:
- Remember why you're there: you need your listeners to become your partners in implementing change. Don't talk down to them. Enlist their commitment, energy, and expertise.
- Know your subject and know yourself. Make sure you communicate not only facts, but also the heart and meaning of your message as it applies to your audience and yourself.
- If someone else has written the speech for you, adapt it to incorporate or emphasize things that are important to you and important to your listeners. Use the language you'd use if you were talking informally with colleagues or friends, and avoid bureaucratese.
- Early on, share your own experience and allow your listeners to identify with you.
- Speak the truth without blame or judgments. If the company is facing challenges or in crisis, say so. These business partners need to know what you know if they're going to be effective in executing solutions.
- Share good news as well. Paint a clear picture of where the company is going and why the change is an integral part of this vision. Tell people what's in it for them.
- Be open to whatever response you get. Don't just listen to questions and ideas-respond to them, build on them, seek further information, and act. Be willing to change your picture on the spot, right there in front of your audience, if someone has a valuable new idea or perspective. Say, "Great idea! Will you follow up on that? Will you be in charge of achieving that outcome?" Communication means dialogue, not a one-way presentation followed by preconceived responses to questions.
- Don't pretend you're in total control. Being vulnerable and understanding others' vulnerability illustrates your authenticity-which your audience is measuring. You might say something like, "I know you're worried about your job and it's normal to be stressed. At this point I can't guarantee the outcome of these changes. We can't look to others for solutions. We'll be discovering new possibilities as we go along, and it's important that we all stay informed on what works and what doesn't work."
- Show by your manner, dress, and body language that you're attuned to your listeners. Rather than addressing the far wall, hold eye contact for 7 or 8 seconds (it will seem longer) with individual after individual. Make sure you're in the light even if you're using visuals-it's even more important for people to see you than for them to see your slides. Don't stand stiffly behind the lectern. Move around, and as you open your heart allow your gestures to open up too. You are part of your message-in fact, the part that earns the credibility.
Related Consulting Services
![[PHOTO] Light streaming through a key hole illuminating an old iron key.](../images/ph_findings.jpg)
