Who’s sitting on your shoulder when you present?

I once learned that a person has tens of thousands of thoughts every day. And that a large portion of them aren't exactly our biggest supporters. I notice that too when I have to give a presentation.

Because no matter how often I stand in front of a group, those thoughts sometimes cross my mind too.

• Am I good enough?
• Do I know enough about this?
• What if I lose my train of thought?  
• What if they ask a question I don't know the answer to?
• Are they actually going to find this interesting?

My first presentation coach, Arold P.R. Langeveld, once gave those voices a face: Statler and Waldorf, the two old men from The Muppet Show who heckled everything from their balcony.

I never forgot that comparison. Because sometimes, presenting really does feel like that.

As if Statler and Waldorf are sitting on your shoulders.

One whispers: "You're not ready for this."

The other adds: "What if they ask a question you don't know the answer to?"

And the more you listen to them, the bigger they get. You start talking faster. You desperately try to remember your script. You're focused on what could go wrong, how you're coming across, and what people will think of you.

While you should really only be focused on one thing: What do I want to share here?

For me, that is exactly where the key to stress-free presenting lies.

In your story. Your knowledge. Your strength.

Your story.

For me, a good presentation doesn't start with slides. It starts with knowing what you want to say.

What do people need to understand?  

What do you want them to remember?  

Why is this story important?

The better you know that story, the less you rely on scripts, bullet points, or slides to tell you what to say.

You don't need to memorize your presentation.

You just need to know your story.

Your knowledge.

Sometimes we set the bar incredibly high for ourselves.

As soon as we stand in front of an audience, it feels like we suddenly have to know everything. As if every question from the audience is a test you have to pass. But that’s not how I see it.

You don't have to know everything. You need to trust in what you do know. In your experience, your expertise, and the reason you are standing there. And if someone asks a question you don't know the answer to, it's okay to say so.

Maybe someone else in the room has the answer. Maybe a colleague knows more about it. Maybe you can look it up and get back to them later.

Presenting doesn't mean you have to do it alone.

Realizing that takes a huge amount of pressure off.

Your strength.

And ultimately, it’s about having the courage to present as yourself.

Don't try to sound like that amazing keynote speaker you once saw. Don't suddenly adopt a different personality just because you're standing in front of a group.

I believe you are at your most powerful when you stay true to yourself.

In your own style.  

From your own experience.  

From your own enthusiasm.  

From your own strength.

That doesn't mean all the nerves suddenly disappear.

And Statler and Waldorf will probably never completely leave my shoulder either.

But they no longer dictate your story.

That is what I call stress-free presenting.

Not presenting without any tension.

But giving enough attention to your story so you can rely on it.

Trusting in the knowledge you have, without the feeling that you need to know everything.

And then standing in front of that group and delivering your story in a way that suits you.

Your story.  

Your knowledge.  

Your strength.

Perhaps that is ultimately the best answer to those two annoying little men on your shoulder.

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