Serving in a leadership role, whether formal or informal, is a fantastic opportunity to be helpful and make a difference. Being in leadership means that others recognize an individual’s ability. While I spend most of my time with people in formal leadership roles, my community work means I also interact with people who are informal leaders. I work with community volunteers who serve in a variety of community roles. Often these are nonpaid committee roles. All these people need certain leadership skills.
In workshops, as I present skills for leaders, it is common for people to come up to me at breaks to share that they are not comfortable with some of the actions. This is normal. While most people in leadership are very skilled in some areas (which is why they are in a leadership role!), there are also skills they will not be as good at. In community leadership roles, this means the committee and/or group needs to have a diverse group who bring different talents. The same is true with boards of directors.
In the workplace, a leader will have certain aspects of their role that are easier than others. A leader may be great with customers but not as comfortable with financials. Still, they need a basic understanding of financials. This does not mean the leader needs to become a certified public accountant. It does mean that they need to acquire a level of financial skill that allows them to perform well in their role.
One skill I hear individuals say they’re uncomfortable with is presenting. It is not unusual for a person who is getting up to present to say, “I do not like speaking in public.” When individuals at sessions share that sentiment with me, I display empathy and then respond that often being in a leadership role includes actions that are not comfortable.
Most leadership roles do not require the person to be able to present to large groups. However, it is important that everyone in a leadership role have a basic level of competency in their presentation skills. This is part of their ability to communicate.
For example, a person needs to be able to effectively present to their leader. Presentation skills are the ability to provide data, organize material, and make a case. A person will say, “I need more staff,” or, “I need new equipment.” Many times, they are frustrated that their leader is not responding as they want. What they may not realize is that developing good presentation skills can lead to a better outcome.
Another common theme I hear from people is that there are too many meetings where they work. The question to ask is, “How well are the meetings facilitated?” Facilitating effective meetings includes presentation ability as well as additional skills. When meetings are well facilitated, they can be shorter and more impactful, and there can often be fewer of them.
For example, staff meetings benefit from being led by someone with good presentation ability. This includes being a good presenter of data. Huddling is another type of meeting that benefits from good presenting. In healthcare, huddles can happen at every shift. Better presentation skills mean staff leave the huddles engaged and motivated.
My suggestions:
- Do not rationalize that because you are not comfortable in front of groups, you don’t need to be as effective as possible in presenting your ideas and making a strong case. Presentation ability is part of being an effective communicator.
- Broaden your perception of when presentation skills are needed. The skill is beneficial in settings other than large group presentations.
- Do not assume being a good presenter comes easily to people. I find even those who make it appear easy have worked extremely hard in their skill development in presenting. As I have accessed skill-building opportunities, one message I heard was that I was not starting my presentations with what I wanted people to leave with. I made that adjustment.
- Do not wait. There are terrific books, videos, and individuals who can help with presentation training. Yes, it is great if your organization provides such skill building. However, take ownership of your presentation skill development.
Becoming a better presenter is an investment in your personal and professional growth. An effective leader is usually an effective communicator. Even if you never present in front of a big audience, you will never regret improving your ability to influence, engage, inspire, and motivate others.
