The Psychology of Self-Motivation for Presentors - Articles - Andrew Schwartz

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The Psychology of Self-Motivation for Presentors
by Andrew E. Schwartz

Lack of self-motivation is an unfortunate side effect of our accelerated times. Many people today are cynical and disillusioned or feel that to appear sophisticated, they must become so. They find it difficult to muster a feeling of energetic conviction toward any subject. In training or any presentation, however, it is crucial to success to possess self-motivation when making presentations. Knowing this, however does not do much for the presentor who lacks inner direction. Achieving a full understanding of the anatomy of self-motivation and mastering ways of obtaining it can lead to vast improvement in training or presentations.

Self-motivation stems from within the individual—not from external influences. Being unmotivated has nothing to do with the weather. It is entirely subject to internal factors.

The Motivation Loop: There are specific devices which you can apply when you find yourself lacking in motivation. They may seem artificial, and in a sense, they are, being based on the premise that contrived personal actions can actually alter genuine feelings. Take, for example, this premise: “In order to be a good presentor one must look and act like a good presentor.” Some people might feel that this is deceitful. Yet you cannot become a good presentor until you begin to act like one; what you appear to be cannot define who you are. The fundamental premise of self-motivation is that personal actions trigger personal feelings, just as personal feelings trigger personal actions. When these feelings are lacking, there is no better way to get them than to begin acting as if they were present. The best way not to be nervous is to act as if you are not nervous. The best way to succeed is to behave like a successful person. And the best way to be a self-confident, self-motivated presentor is to behave like one. This is the whole essence of positive thinking and the rationale behind what is called the “motivation loop”.

There are several courses of action which can be taken to effectively help presentors develop self-motivation.

The Self-Motivation Monologue: This amounts to nothing more than giving yourself a “talking to.” This may seem foolish at first, but it is amazing how well it works. You can increase your own confidence and motivation simply by speaking to yourself as you would to another person. Technically, this is known as rationalization. People use it every day to convince themselves that they can afford this or that item, that “one more for the road” is all right, or “I’ll start dieting tomorrow” .Rationalization is known to work in these cases and can be put to positive use her.

Imitation: Theodore Roosevelt is said to have kept a picture of Abraham Lincoln ever handy. When he was faced with a decision or dilemma, he asked himself what Lincoln would have done in a similar instance and simply imitated him. You can paint a mental picture of the ideal presentor and imitate her or him.

The Value of Dress and Grooming: The military has long recognized the motivational power of dress and grooming. Many sales organizations stress the value of personal appearance not only from the standpoint of the outward impression it creates, but because of what “feeling sharp” does for the inner person as well. The same goes for presentors. Dressing in a suit and tie or a dress is appropriate. Doing so shows respect for both participants and yourself.

Music Hath Charms: Everyone has a favorite musical passage—the one that lifts your spirits just a little higher, puts a bounce in your step, or makes you want to “bogie." It may be a march, a sonata, a rock lyric or the overture of a Broadway show. Try listening to your favorite just before making a presentation.

An Inspiring Motto: Many people have literary passages or mottoes which inspire them. As does music, these also have the power to lift the spirits, to give that little extra flair, to cause the head to be held a little higher. If you do not have one of your own, a quick perusal of Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations will provide many from which to choose. Print one on a small card and carry it to the podium, and let it work its magic. For example, at the top of every note card we use in making a presentation is the single word, “ SMILE,” printed in red ink to make it stand out. Countless times, a glance at it has brought a presentation back to the human level, re-established audience contact, and overcome a momentary loss of confidence.

Inspirational Reading: The shelves of libraries are replete with inspiring monographs on the lives of great people, “truths to live by,” or similar material. The choice is entirely personal, but the inspirational value of great thoughts and the examples of great men and women cannot be denied. Reading such a passage before beginning lift both the presentation and the presentor to a higher level.

The validity of these devices has been proven, but they will only work for the presentor who enters into their spirit. Any presentation is more effective when you put a portion of yourself into it.

Some of the devices and techniques discussed here may seen like considerable work to put into such an everyday matter. Many experienced presentors have probably found and developed techniques which work very well for them. Yet the quality of most presentations today would seem to indicate otherwise. Many make so little impression on the audience that their information is retained no longer than it takes the listeners to return to their desks. By taking the extra time to master these self-motivating techniques, your presentation will be one which is distinguished by its level of interest and imagination. If you have prepared and rehearsed thoroughly, you already have what you need to face the audience and to deliver the goods.

A Motivational Countdown: Before making the actual presentation, engage in a final “motivational countdown” to arrive at the moment of delivery ready to perform at peak effectiveness. Many professional presentors do this. You must be fully prepared and rehearsed at least twelve hours before the presentation. Notes must be complete and in their final form, and all aids, equipment, and other matters in their final arrangement. If the presentation is to be given in the morning, do nothing more to it or with it after the close of activity on the preceding day. Use the evening for recreation or some activity entirely unrelated to the presentation. If it is to be later in the day, do nothing more to it at least 6 hours before the presentation time. Two hours before going on, take one last look through the notes. Make sure your note cards are in order and briefly run through the thought sequence pattern. Then put them away and do not look at them again before going on. From here on, think only in a generalized way of the validity of the message, how much it needs to be told, and how important it is to both you and the audience.

At this point, self-motivation becomes crucial. Visit a valet shop, shoeshine parlor, a manicurist, a beauty parlor or barber shop. If possible, change into fresh clothes, take a shower, fix your hair or even drop into a store and buy something new. In short, perform some kind of “freshening up” exercise. Then take a walk, read that inspirational passage, listen to your music or engage in a light conversation which is unconnected to the subject.

Plan on arriving for the presentation about fifteen minutes early, no earlier, since waiting can build tension. Take a look around to be sure that everything is in order. If the meeting is already in session, slip quietly into a back row and listen. Pay special attention to the behavior of the audience as much as possible. See if they seem bored, alert, friendly, or ambivalent toward the present speaker.

When called on or announced, walk slowly and confidently to the podium. Glance downward momentarily to be sure of the footing. Hold your notes in your hand or set them on the rostrum, pause for five or ten seconds, and look directly and pleasantly at the audience. Now begin.

Andrew E. Schwartz, CEO, A.E. Schwartz & Associates of Boston, MA a comprehensive management training and professional development organization offering over 40 skills specific programs and practical solutions to today's business challenges.

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