Often we hear the words, "He or she is a good speaker." When we fill out the evaluation form, we sometimes give the top score, but how many times can we really rate the presenter as "excellent" or truly "great"? In the following, I address two areas with suggestions that will help you become a "great" presenter.

Energy/Enthusiasm Great presenters exude energy and enthusiasm, whether on or off the platform. I am not necessarily describing a rah-rah! type of enthusiasm and energy. What I see in many great speakers is almost a quiet, but magnetic, quality that evolves from natural energy and true enthusiasm. All of the great presenters, "Walk their talk." They are as enthusiastic and energetic off stage as on. They do love to talk about their ideas and beliefs anytime, anywhere and to anyone.

Good presenters are far from being dull or boring, but still don't reach the topmost peak of their energy and enthusiasm. We are impressed by what they say, and often learn good tactics and strategies, but we haven't been so swept up in their energy and enthusiasm that we can hardly wait to get started on their programs. I don't feel that energy and enthusiasm can be faked. But, I do feel that many good speakers just aren't using and/or showing their true feelings - sometimes because they are afraid they will look a little foolish. Suggestion: before you give your next presentation, throw together a cheer (yes, pretend you are a cheerleader for your topic) and practice it. Even though you probably wouldn't use it in public, make it fun and energetic - go, go, go! You will be amazed by how quickly you will develop more outward enthusiasm and energy.

Confidence/Control Great presenters have developed a quiet, but obvious, confidence and have the ability to control every situation - foreseen and unforeseen. How do you deal with unplanned circumstances. The great speakers do this in a quiet and confident way - even when the circumstance appears to be insurmountable. They know that getting upset about handouts that were sent and don't show up is only counter-productive. They quickly get copies made from the master they always carry, or get a list of attendees who want them sent by mail. They always have a backup plan in case the projector fails or the room is not set up as requested, or some other catastrophe hits - I have witnessed power failures where the whole room is dark, but the great presenter knew exactly what to do.

A good presenter does prepare for the obvious problems that occur, but tends to become unfocused and rattled when they happen. This is not easy. The more often we present, the higher our average rises for unsettling circumstances.

Suggestion: always have a backup plan and realize that practically anything can happen, and that when it does, it is time to tell yourself to be calm, collected and in control - even while those around you are losing it.