Present
Post-presentation selfie with Nicholas.
Yes, you are a present (pun intended!). But sometimes presenting can really feel like a test. Growing up I have always been very aware of the power of tests and test-taking. Tests don’t measure how much you know. They measure how well you take tests. At least in my opinion.
And tests certainly don’t measure your worth. But knowing that doesn’t hurt less when you don’t succeed.
Last week I have spent some time together with Nicholas evaluating the MyGen finals of the students at Amsterdam Fashion Institute. It was an experience both interesting, full of vulnerability and inspiration. It also gave me some ideas to speak more about the power of presenting and how you can really get a good glimpse into someone within 7 minutes of presentation and 8 minutes of asking them follow-up questions. So here is my takeaways from the experience that might help anyone with presenting or speaking in public:
Preparation. It’s absolutely important to have a plan and have rehearsed your presentation materials. It really makes a world of a difference and is visible and does help with self-confidence and does help you to make it look effortless.
Authenticity. I guess it’s a clear one - be you, show you, don’t be apologetic.
Draw your boundaries. Make sure you communicate up front what is the situation, if you have any limitations or issues - it does help with having heads up always but helps you to be more certain about your control in the situation. It’s also okay to not know all the answers!
Go on even if it’s not easy. Nerves can be really intense when presenting. It’s a very confronting experience even if you have done it a thousand times, your voice can be shaky. It’s okay. We have all been there.
Know your why. This one connects to preparation as well but it’s both what’s in the preparation and in the content. Not just for your audience but for you too!
Creativity. Be creative, use different methods and even if it’s a short time, do use different means - sound, video, tactile materials, even pauses or creating a theatrical experience element can be super helpful to get your message across. Think outside the box. Deconstruct the box.
Connect to the audience. And it’s indeed about eye contact, tone of voice, and energy you bring. Do convince them with your story. Make sure you also use alternative elements at hand - using references to the past experiences with your audience, employing light commentary if needed, and bringing a bubbly experience into the room.
Have fun. Because it’s also a very important part of experiencing life.