You don’t have to be a racing fanatic to see that a professional race car driver exhibits a rare combination of qualities. This mixture provides them with the physical and mental fuel to reach speeds over 200 miles per hour in competition – enduring hours of driving to pursuit a win. Presenters should try to think of their presentation as a thrilling event, where they navigate challenging twists and turns and remain calm under intense pressure and stress. The race track for a presenter is the narrative of their presentation. The audience is the race car that the presenter drives – guiding them through the story structure. If you want to achieve success, harness the power of a race car driver’s personality and lead your audience to the first place spot at the podium that is your message.
Strengthen the following 4 qualities:
1. Passionate
According to the Bleacher Report, Tony Stewart serves as an accurate representation of the passionate NASCAR driver. Stewart joins the publication’s list among Kevin Harvick and Mark Martin, to name a few. The author of the article pinpoints the source of a driver’s passion, which lies in the thrill of competition. A race car driver must be passionate about a race, about his racing machine, and about his racing capabilities to be able to have any chance of placing in a competition. The same could be said of a presenter. Your presentation will fall flat – failing to register with your audience – if you don’t display the optimal amount of enthusiasm and passion for the subject or topic that you want them to exhibit. A recent study featured in Psychology Today explained the thrill-seeking – not risk-taking – behaviors of race car drivers. Research discovered that drivers taking risks in their personal lives were more likely to make a mistake that caused an accident. The endorphins and adrenaline garnered through the act of racing and competition fuels the passion of race car drivers. To inject more passion into your presentation, find an aspect of your topic that evokes a surge of excitement and focus on that during the talk.
2. Fearless
While the typical race car driver may be fearless in many instances, it doesn’t mean that they are never fearful. A driver’s fearlessness is what motivates them to tackle new challenges – whether it be a new course, a new series, etc. According to Goliath, A.J. Foyt’s racing repertoire is sprinkled with splashes into a variety of motorsport areas and arenas. From stock and midget cars to USAC appearances and Automobile Club Champ cars, Foyt has put fear aside to gain a wealth of accomplishments and experiences in various arenas. Approach your career and presentation role with the same fearlessness. Apply to speak at more conferences. Incorporate different storytelling techniques into your presentation narratives. Add more interactive elements into your performance.
3. Confident
The brunt of a racers’ confidence stems from their introverted personalities. According to Psychology Today, drivers emphasize inward focus – allowing them to react faster to rapidly changing conditions on the racetrack, concentrate more effectively, and determine precise solutions. The late Dale Earnhardt, a.k.a. “The Intimidator,” was best known for his dynamic, arguably treacherous, driving style. But the confidence he exuded in his ability to maneuver dangerous situations efficiently on the track had an impact on race audiences. Make sure that your confidence in your message and presentation delivery capabilities shines when you take the stage. A confident presenter will ease audience members’ minds – making them feel protected and safe from the beginning to the end of your talk.
4. Observant
In a study from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, researcher Andrew J. Morgan discovered the following:
“Due to the financial and logistical constraints of practice, racing drivers may rely on imagery (e.g., cognitive-general imagery) to facilitate strategy acquisition and execution.”
Presentation practice is vital to delivering a message with impact, so take a tip from drivers and visualize your presentation venue, audience, and overall experience prior to the event. Like a racecar driver that receives little opportunity for extensive practice on the track before an event, presenters should optimize the time they have and utilize mental imagery to improve their presentations.
Introverted and extroverted presenters should watch the Indianapolis 500, which occurs this weekend, and become inspired to be a little more passionate, fearless, confident, and observant. Delve into the following resources to discover more about racecar driver characteristics and ways to enhance your presentations.
Storytelling Tactics for Presentations: Creating the Right Villain
How to Rehearse for a Presentation
5 Traits Every Great NASCAR Driver Possesses
