How to become an Olympic champion presenter

I don't know about you, but my wife and I love the Olympics. When they are on, as they are now, we devote a number of hours each day to watching the competition. We rejoice at the great performances and feel bad for the athletes who miss a medal by a fraction of a second or point.

What is common to every athlete who is competing is that they have trained years to become the best at their sport. They have had great coaching, encouragement from family and friends and access to the best equipment and facilities.

So how does this apply to us as presenters? More than you might initially think.

Let's apply the approaches of an Olympic gold medallist to each of us as presenters. And I'll use questions to help us think about whether we are measuring up.

Training: When is the last time you practiced your presentation? I mean actually stood up and delivered it as if it was the gold medal match? Think you'd do better if you rehearsed under the simulated stress that will be there on the day of the key presentation?

Coaching: When was your last presentation coaching session or training course? Years ago? How will you continue to keep up with the competition unless you are always learning from the best there is?

Encouragement: Who do you have around you encouraging you on? Is it a team of coworkers, your family? You will be positive if you hang around others who are positive and believe that you can deliver the best presentation ever.

Equipment: Do you have the equipment you need to succeed? Like presentation remote, laptop, and projector. Invest in the equipment that gives you the best chance to win.

Go for the gold with your next presentation!