Known as the happiest place on earth, Disney World is a place that children and adults alike can escape to a magical world of imagination and exploration. However, on a recent trip to Disney, I decided to explore the magic through a different lens. At Ethos3, we are always looking for ways to equip presenters to escalate their content and skill sets, and with this particular trip to Disney, I wanted to glean some Disney magic for our presenters.
Over the long weekend adventure, I discovered that Disney magic is about more than just fun rides. Rather, it is a place where professionalism meets imagination and where every detail has been considered and every angle has been investigated.
As a presenter, you must learn to embody this same belief within your presentation. That’s why we put together 3 things every presenter can learn from the magical world of Disney.
Hospitality always outweighs perfectionism.
At Disney, from the minute you walk in to your hotel, you will find cast members who are full of hospitality. Whether they are checking you in to your room, delivering your luggage, or helping you manage your dining reservations, they have a smile on their face and a willingness to help. Even in the most frustrating situations, hospitality goes a long way to diffuse frustrations and break down barriers.
The same is true in presentations – hospitality is how you break down the barriers between you and your audience. It’s how you diffuse the frustrating car ride, the long wait in traffic, and the fight your audience member had with their boss before they showed up.
Hospitality can be something as simple as a genuine smile, a firm handshake, or a listening ear. It can also look like coffee and bagels prior to presentation time. Whatever you feel is most comfortable, take a hint from Disney and embrace hospitality the next time you present.
Every guest is a prince or princess.
At Disney, there is a reverberating motto amongst cast members: Every guest deserves to experience the magic. No matter your age, you will feel like you have walked into your family reunion when interacting with cast members. From simple “happy birthdays” to small touches like free wine, each guest feels like the most important person at the park.
As a presenter, it is your job to connect with the audience in such a way that they feel as special as the guests at Disney. The hospitality we discussed will help start that process, but consider embracing vulnerability, stories, and interactive elements during your presentation to draw your audience in, too.
By creating an environment where every person feels like the most important person in the room, you will create a safe environment for your audience that elicits a happy emotional response. This joy-based response will help not only increase attention but also elevate your audience’s ability to retain your content.
The details are crucial.
The minute you step inside a Disney theme park, you are transplanted into a different world. Each detail has been thought through and meticulously rehearsed. The transitions from one section of the park to another are flawless, all the way down to the detail in the type of road you are walking on. This level of attention to detail allows you to be fully immersed in the magic without risk of distraction.
As a presenter, distraction is one of the top ways to lose your audience and decrease your engagement. Even just a split second of distraction can result in missed content and missed ideas. Attention to detail will allow you to account for any potential distraction points. Be sure to focus on your transitions, main ideas, and closing statements. There is nothing worse than losing your audience due to a missed transition or a forgotten point.
Attention to detail is what makes up the magic of Disney, and it will do the same for your next presentation.
Spend any amount of time at Disney, and you will find yourself lost in the magic of the moment. However, when you slow down and pay attention, you will find that there are thousands of cast members working tirelessly to keep the magic alive.
Presentations are your opportunity to transport your audience to a creative, imaginative place using your words and designs. So, take a hint from Disney, and bring your own magic to life.
Looking to elevate your presentation abilities? Contact one of our presentation coaches today!
