You’re Always Presenting. Even When You Think You’re Not – Zoe McDarlington Esadah, Media Personality

It’s our debut article from our Presentation Desk, and I am pleased to be sharing with you amazing thoughts and helpful insights into how you can communicate and present better going forward. And so for the rest of the month, we will dwell on the Foundations of Powerful Communication.

Let me start with a simple question: when was the last time you presented something? You are probably going to say, “maybe a meeting, or “maybe a pitch or when I had to speak in front of people.”

But what if I told you, you’ve probably presented multiple times today already? That quick explanation you gave a colleague? That voice note you sent? Even the way you responded when someone asked you a question? That was a presentation. We’ve just been trained to think presentation is only for broadcasters or that it only happens when there’s a stage, a mic, or a camera.

But real life doesn’t work like that. Every time you speak, you are presenting or trying to communicate. Every time you speak, you are doing three things at once: You’re sharing information. You’re expressing yourself. And, whether you like it or not, you’re being judged.

Not in a harsh way, just naturally. People are picking up on things like: “Does this person sound sure of themselves?” “Do they know what they’re talking about? Are they easy to understand, or stressful to listen to?” People make their conclusions about you really fast.

And so yes, every time you speak, in whatever capacity, you are trying to communicate something, and people are constantly interpreting you. Your words, your tone, your confidence, or attitude, or the lack of it. All these are telling people something about yourself. And so in that regard, your presentation is the way you express yourself. The way you wish to be understood and perceived. So it’s not even just about what you say but more about how you say it.

So the goal is not to “become a presenter” only when it’s time to perform. The goal is to become intentional about how you show up every time you speak. Because like it or not. You’re already presenting. That’s why I am so excited for these thoughts, tips, and insights we will be sharing with you.

Anyone can level up their presentation game regardless of the scenario. As long as you are talking to someone or wish to communicate something to them, you can consciously improve the level to which they truly understand you and the way you want to be understood.

This Week’s Practice Tip:

Pick one everyday moment today, maybe a conversation at work or even at home. Before you speak, take a second, organize your thoughts, then say it clearly. It’s a small shift, but it will make a big difference in the long run.

Please let me know in the comments, specific parts of your communication you want to improve, maybe sound better, or stronger, or more organized.

Let’s grow together. I’ll see you soon