The Key to Mindful Presenting: Having Clarity of Your ‘M’ POINT

The distinction between mediocre and mindful presenting is both real and evident. Mediocre presenters often fall into the trap of unconscious programming, leading to mechanical responses and information overload. Simply presenting everything you know isn’t mindful; it demands a higher level of awareness and consciousness.

As human beings, we are hardwired by habit, often repeating the same thoughts and actions. Presenters are no exceptions to this common frailty. Relying on habit can result in slides being projected like scripts, guided solely by the question, “What am I going to say?” This approach is misguided.

Mindful presenting centres around your ‘M’ POINT.

What is your ‘M’ POINT?

Your ‘M’ POINT represents your personal “moment of truth.” It is the moment when you achieve clarity and certainty about:

– Why you are presenting in the first place.

– How your message is crucial for the audience to hear.

– What your main message is and its significance.

– The impact your message will have on the audience’s lives.

– How you want them to feel.

– What actions you want them to take.

– What the future will look like for them if they understand and act on your message.

Once you can provide clear, concise, and compelling answers to these questions, you’ve reached your ‘M’ POINT.

The Value of Mindful Presenting

Mindful presenting is an empowering practice that allows you to disengage from ‘autopilot’ mode and step into the role of a conscious change agent. At its core, presenting isn’t merely about delivering information; it’s fundamentally about effecting change in your audience.

When you approach your presentation with mindfulness, you have the opportunity to shift mindsets and transform perceptions. Your goal may be to enlighten your audience, helping them to understand a new concept or idea that alters their previous understanding. Perhaps you want to instil a deeper appreciation for a particular topic, changing how they view its relevance in their lives.

In addition, mindful presenting enhances knowledge and clarity, equipping your audience with insights that inspire new beliefs or challenge existing opinions. It can influence behaviours, prompting your listeners to reconsider their actions and make informed decisions. Ultimately, your presentation might encourage them to adopt a new perspective altogether, opening their minds to possibilities they hadn’t considered before.

By embracing mindfulness in your approach, you create a powerful environment for transformation, both for yourself as a presenter and for your audience.

Before you even open your laptop, it’s crucial to take a step back and retreat into the quiet of your own mind. This stage of mindful presenting is essential; it’s where you cultivate meaningful moments that set the foundation for your presentation.

During this period of introspection, you allow yourself to dive deep into your thoughts and emotions. It’s a time for reflection, considering not only your message but also the impact it will have on your audience. Honesty plays a vital role here, as you confront your own motivations and the truths you want to convey.

Nurturing curiosity can spark new ideas and perspectives, helping you explore your topic in innovative ways. This introspective space also encourages empathy, allowing you to connect with your audience’s feelings and experiences, and fostering a sense of respect for their viewpoints.

Finally, this quiet moment is a perfect opportunity to unleash your creativity, enabling you to present your message in a way that resonates deeply with those who will be listening. By embracing these moments, you lay the groundwork for a connection that will enhance the effectiveness of your presentation.

Your ‘M’ POINT is fundamentally about motivation, both for your audience and for yourself.

Audience Motivation

Consider what your audience stands to gain. Ask yourself:

– What’s in it for them?

– What are the consequences of not taking action? For instance, what pain might they experience if they don’t buy the software you’re presenting?

– What benefits will they enjoy if they do engage with your message?

– Why should they pay attention to you?

– How will your solution address their problems and create new opportunities?

– What sets your idea apart from the current situation they are facing?

Your Motivation

Equally important is your own motivation. Reflect on:

– What do you personally gain from this presentation? This might include enhancing your image, brand, or credibility.

– Do you want to make a meaningful difference and be recognised for your impact?

– Are you seeking to elevate your standing among peers and superiors?

– Is your goal to develop your leadership skills?

– Are you aiming to boost your confidence or improve your job security?

– Ultimately, how do you intend to make your audience’s lives better, easier, or happier?

By understanding both your motivations and those of your audience, you can create a truly impactful presentation. Some may view their motivation as simply fulfilling a job requirement, earning a pay check and meeting expectations. However, it’s vital to dig deeper to uncover a more personal, compelling reason for your presentation. After all, your audience deserves more than just a “business as usual” approach.

Focusing on your ‘M’ POINT can be challenging and is often overlooked by the mediocre presenter. Mindful presenting is the pathway to crafting a compelling narrative that resonates with your audience on a deeper level.

If you’re unsure how to identify your ‘M’ POINT, consider these steps:

– Book yourself onto a powerful public speaking course.

– Invest in some really good one to one public speaking coaching.

– Get yourself some excellent presentation training

I really hope you enjoyed this post. If you did, please feel free to share it through your preferred social media channels below and subscribe to our mailing list so you won’t miss any future posts.

Image courtesy of Canva.com