My First Stage Experience
Once upon a time, I was introduced on stage in front of an audience. Amid the applause, I was handed a microphone. I started to speak, but nobody could hear anything. I tried speaking louder, but still, silence. I thought the microphone might be broken.
Things Fall Apart
Turns out the mic wasn’t broken, but my mouth was!
When I realized this, my hand started trembling, my knees knocking together and I started shaking like a leaf caught in a winter wind. The host had to come and collect me from the stage.
That was my first experience with presentation.
Needless to say, I couldn’t make a presentation.
Things Turn Around
Through learning and practice, things turned around. People started telling me, “Wow, you're a natural!” As you know, I'm not a natural. I'm a learner. I had to learn and develop the skill. Which is why I believe presentation skills are learnable by anyone.
Fast forward to today, I teach professionals, entrepreneurs, and world-class corporations to master communication and presentation skills.
Myth Trashed Away
People often think great presenters are born. I am proof that it’s not true. If I can learn to present confidently, anyone can. As Helen Hayes said “The expert in anything was once a beginner.” It's like learning to drive. No one is born knowing how to drive; you receive instructions, practice, and get better. Even Michael Schumacher the Formula One Hall of Famer had to learn driving!
Truth Be Told
The truth is that Presentation School wasn't planned. People came to me saying, "Wow, Kunle you’re so good. Can you help me with presentation skills?" Realizing I had something valuable to offer, I decided to formalize it.
Many of us have to work for starters. So, If you find something you enjoy, that people need and adds value to their lives, why not pursue it?
Presentation and communication skills advance careers, improve relationships, and boost confidence. As Oprah said, "Your true passion should feel like breathing; it’s that natural."
According to a LinkedIn survey of hiring managers, communication is considered one of the most critical soft skills for job success. I’m fortunate that communication and presentation skills are among the top five required for professional success.
Learning is an active process. We learn by doing. - Dale Carnegie
Presentation School was born from my conviction and experience that presentation skills are learnable and vital for professional and personal success.
That’s the truth in a nutshell. At Presentation School, we aim to teach and transform. We equip people with the skills to present confidently and effectively.
By the way, if you happen to know anyone struggling with communication, public speaking, or presentation skills, please send them our way. You’ll be doing them a favour and they’ll thank you for it because their communication and presentation skills will transform.
We’ve done this enough times to know the truth: Presentation skills are not inborn, presentation skills are learnable.
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