When I see an appetizing, healthy meal on my Instagram feed. When I see a woman at the gym deadlift what looks to be twice her weight. When I read a coworker’s creative angle to a client’s presentation narrative. There have been many times where I’ve caught myself adoring the skills and creations of others.
Oftentimes, I lose myself in the act of fantasizing about accomplishing these same things instead of actually taking steps to do so in real life. It’s easy for presenters to fall into a similar trap – ensnared in the comfort of the status quo and bound by the shackles of denial. All of the activities I admire of others, I know I can complete with training. Presenters who come to this realization will be more open to the idea of presentation training. But first, you need to recognize the roadblocks. Here are 3 reasons you aren’t getting presentation training:
1. Disengagement from your work
It’s safe to say that those who dislike their jobs also don’t like the tasks they are assigned to complete a majority of the time. A recent Gallup Q12 Employee Engagement Survey revealed that 32% of employees categorized themselves as engaged in 2015 – up only half of a percent from the previous year. If you are disengaged, presentation training is probably the least appealing of any deed you could be dealt.
2. Skepticism of the value
Although healthy skepticism is a desired trait, it can withhold you from reaching your full potential as a presenter. A 1992 study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology concluded that people will evaluate information that aligns with their initial perspective less critically than information that does not align. If your immediate reaction to any mention of presentation training is “no way,” then you’ll never gain the benefits of instruction. Even skeptic consumers experience disbelief in a product’s advantages, therefore discouraging them from purchasing an object that could provide positive elements to their lives.
3. Fear of failure
I am trained journalist. I graduated from one of the top-rated journalism schools in the United States. But after one year covering the swimming and diving team for the college’s newspaper, I quit and never returned. Although I had always dreamed of serving as editor of the paper, I let fear and doubt hold me back. What would people think of my performance as an editor? Would I live up to expectations? Will I disappoint the staff, my family, or myself? All of those questions indicate sure signs of fear of failure. Instead of fearing how you will stack up against other presenters, embrace your lack of knowledge. Be vulnerable enough to recognize your weaknesses and ask for help.
Don’t allow the roadblocks listed above to keep you from obtaining adequate presentation training! Find out more about presentation training below:
When Creativity Meets Presentation Training
How Presentation Training Could Improve Your Sales Pitch
Presentation Training Inspiration from Seth Godin
