How to be a Presentation God: Build, Design, and Deliver Presentations that Dominate!

6.4. GENUINE AUTHENTICITY

Our 44th president, Barack Obama, is a master of authenticity. Though the country seems to be divided on the politics of his administration, few people question his powerful presence on stage and among the people. An unlikely candidate at the outset of the 2008 Presidential Campaign, his ability to connect with ordinary citizens quickly propelled him to the front of the pack. How does he do it?

Perhaps more than any other politician, Obama looks at home with his constituents, often answering unexpected questions off the cuff with thoughtful, non-rote answers. A genial smile, an empathetic frown, and an ear turned forward to listen are oftentimes all it takes to communicate sincerity and genuine concern to another human being. These simple, everyday qualities have been instrumental in taking a poor Hawaiian boy all the way to the White House.

Undoubtedly, there will be some who are hesitant to take inspiration from the man. The nature of modern politics makes it so. But remember Bruce Lee's example: If a Kung Fu master is willing to learn from professional wrestlers, surely we can learn from the Republicans and Democrats who communicate genuine authenticity better than the rest.

How can you connect so authentically? Are you as comfortable out among the audience as you are on stage? Do you work hard to establish a meeting of the minds? Empathy is a powerful ...