The Sixty Second Critic

We are exposed to lots of presentations--at work, on TV, and in our private lives as well.

I encourage you to become a “Sixty Second Critic.”

• Which speakers keep you paying attention from beginning to end?
• What bores you? How long does it take before you look at your watch?
• What makes you want to leave the room?

When I asked a class what they liked in a speaker, they spontaneously responded:

• Life examples
• Confident
• Prepared
• Passionate
• Authentic
• Makes the complex simple
• Easy to understand

What’s on your list?

Listen up. How does the speaker best support the message—with figures or true life examples? Does it matter if the speaker articulates or mumbles? How do pacing and pauses make a difference?

Watch carefully. Notice nervous gestures and movement. What makes a speaker appear comfortable and in control?

What about the slides? Too many, too detailed, easy to read?

If you get your critical observation powers in gear, you can learn a lot from other speakers. Then prepare, practice and deliver the best presentation of your career!