I won’t go on and on with an analysis of Donald Trump’s debate performance — I’ll leave that to Wolf Blitzer and Co. I will say that his presentation skills in that debate showed what lack of preparation looks like. It’s not pretty, people.
Researchers say 93 percent of our emotional connection to information is based on body language. Trump ran the gamut: boredom, superiority, contempt (eye roll), and aggression. And he was always reaching for water and sniffing which can indicate anxiety, and/or discomfort with what is being said. He could have allergies but regardless, if we’re still talking about it then it took focus away from his message. He also has a habit of clenching his teeth together and grimacing after making a point which also looks aggressive.
All of these things can be fixed or managed. But that can only happen with preparation; dry runs; awareness; giving a ‘hoot’.
All presentations are emotional. All of them. In Trump’s case the emotional touch points were all negative. And that doesn’t even touch the content (Howard Stern? Rosie O’Donnell?).
Clients often tell me they don’t have time to practice. Really? How’s that workin’ for ya?