When I teach presentation skills to professional people, either in a seminar or through personal training, I explain the long-standing theatrical phrase, “First time illusion.” Here’s the meaning: When an actor performs in a play for the tenth, hundredth, or thousandth time, he must create the illusion that this is the first time the actor has said these words, uses these gestures and facial expressions, or thinks these things. thoughts. Superlative actors create this response, no matter how many times they repeat what they have done before.

Recently, I saw piano genius Marty Henne perform his hour-long show, complete with wonderful music and informative commentary on George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, and other musical giants. Marty and I were traveling together aboard the Regatta, an Oceania Cruise Line luxury ship. Marty was the featured entertainer and I was the special enrichment speaker.

Now, let’s get back to Marty’s show. I had attended the same show when Marty performed on the Radisson Diamond Cruise Ship, where he was also speaking, fifteen months earlier. Although Marty’s act at the race was pretty much the same word for word that I heard over a year ago at the Diamond, the race audience felt that his words, non-verbal communication, and songs were spontaneous.

At breakfast the next morning, Marty and I agreed that the speakers should establish the same liveliness of “it’s happening now for the first time.” Keep this in mind the next time you are in front of an audience, especially when you are delivering a message that you have given before. The message may be old to you, but remember that it is totally new to these listeners and should appear new. They will stop listening if they feel a repetition, but they will remain very attentive when you speak forcefully, with the same enthusiasm that you would use to share good news with a close friend.

How do you achieve this aura of freshness? Consider these four steps:

o Select a topic that captivates you, one that continues to excite you after hours of preparation.

o Don’t memorize your speech. You will seem like a reciter, rather than an individual who wants to convincingly share your thoughts.

o Focus on remembering and sharing key words and important points. The exact wording is not that important. Your listeners will want to get the impression that you are speaking “spontaneously,” even though you have prepared thoroughly.

o Imagine having a conversation with an individual and thus speaking to your audience, which is nothing more than a collection of individuals. Marty Henne made this statement during our breakfast conversation and I agree.

By following these guidelines, you will give your audience the “first time illusion” they expect, deserve, and will applaud.

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