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Every time I run a presentation skills workshop I get asked questions like;

• What is the “right” way to present?
• Should I use humour?
• Should I move or stand still?

My answer is always the same. “It depends!”

This is because I believe that there is no one right style.  What is much more important is that the presenter comes across as authentic.     If you try to be something you are not rarely works.

Interestingly though, this advice is not a “get out of jail free” card for nervous or reluctant presenters.    Nervousness is not your natural or authentic self, it is a learned response that is ultimately limiting and can be unlearned.

Being authentic actually means opening up to your audience and revealing some of the facets of your personality that you may have previously learned to keep hidden.   Your emotions, your passions, your sense of humour, your vulnerability.

The bad news is that you have to be prepared to take a small but real risk. 

The good news is that the rewards are massive!    

Being authentic has huge payoffs in terms of your ability to inspire and influence others and, perhaps even more importantly is helps dissolve much of the internal tension and stress that we create for ourselves when we try to be someone or something we are not.   

Do yourself and your audiences a big favour - bring more of your true, authentic self to everything that you do.  Remember, life is not a rehearsal!