Creating chemistry and being a broadcaster: two big challenges
We must face two realities about presentations: We need to create chemistry, and we need to be a broadcaster.
Webster’s Dictionary defines chemistry as, “the way two individuals relate to each other.” Many times, the choice a consumer makes (whether it is someone choosing a person, a product, idea, or a service) is based on chemistry, and not on expertise. “Chemistry” between you and your audience, gut instinct, and an indefinable feel for you as a presenter (and you as a person) is very influential when you are asking your audience to make a decision or a choice. Chemistry is definitely a factor that will inspire your audience.
The other challenge facing you when you’re a presenter is that you need to act like a television broadcaster.
Television, particularly TV news shows, has subconsciously changed what people expect from a presentation. Viewers expect a polished, virtually seamless (but not slick) delivery. The same applies to an audience listening to a speaker. The audience might sit through a disorganized, rambling, incoherent presentation, but they will not respond positively to it. When presenting, you have to think of yourself as broadcaster who is being rated by your viewers. Those viewers have an internal remote control with which they will change your channel very quickly if you do not engage them intellectually and emotionally.
What can you do to make yourself a comfortable, natural, conversational, and professional presenter? What can you do to give yourself the persuasive edge that produces the “YES!” response or even a standing ovation? The answer is simple: connect with your audience, and be natural.
Your persuasion abilities are based on how connected you are with your message and your audience, and how close you are to your natural, or conversational, speaking style. The non-verbal, psychological, emotional, and physical part of your presentation is what I call your “Zone”. When you make the mental and physical shift from talking to presenting, you are entering your Zone.
