Human Psychology has always been a subject that has fascinated sociologists and anthropologists for a very long time. Understanding the intricate dynamics of our behavior patterns, value systems and instincts for flourishing has always been the subject of intense scientific study for decades. Some people have the incredible ability to memorize things almost photographically. Others can calculate equations and algorithms a lot easier than most people. People also vary immensely based on what type of personality they might be. Some are very laid back and calm while others can be focused and driven. And then there are the rare few – the few whose traits don’t quite fall under conventional categories of human diversity in abilities and appeal. Some people would say that these rare few have what is generally called, ‘charisma’ or ‘chutzpah’. But even those words don’t do justice to the traits that these people have. These rare people have what is intangibly yet unanimously called, ‘the X factor’. These people, while they may be as normal as you or I, seem to have the ability to command one’s attention, assume authority or leadership roles with ease and in general have no problem in getting people to comply with their ideas or visions for something. People just seem to like being around them and give them their undivided attention. This is the effect of the enigmatic ‘X Factor’! But not only do these rare few have the ‘factor’ but they also know how to or put it to good use. People with the ‘X Factor’ have naturally good presentation skills.

While not everyone may have this intangible quality, there are certain aspects of it that can be successfully simulated to create the impression of actually having it. And when practiced long enough, it can actually become a part of one’s own aura. And learning to wield it well in your own presentation skills will certainly almost always make people to sit up and pay attention to what you have to say! Lets examine a few of these aspects of the ‘X Factor’:

1. Kinesics or Body Language – After the 1960 presidential debate between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon, psychologists discovered an interesting phenomenon. People who watched the debate on TV were convinced that JFK won the debate while those who listened to the debate live on radio felt that Nixon had won the debate. Psychologists concluded that it didn’t matter ‘what’ the candidates were actually saying about their own convictions or policies but instead it was their non-verbal communication that people instantly picked up on. The human brain has the ability to pick up faint, non-verbal cues that a person may exude just as well as the words it hears. Good presenters know the importance of exploiting this well. Standing up straight, making eye contact with listeners and smiling while looking relaxed all do well in exuding confidence and a sense that you know what you’re doing. This makes your listeners more likely to be receptive to what you have to say.
2. Voice Modulation – Sometimes a presenter may look the complete picture of confidence visually but may sound unconvincing if he or she sounds weak or unsure. Confidence can just as well be exuded in the volume, tones and fluctuations of the voice during a presentation. A well-paced, well-spaced verbal delivery with optimal volume and clarity makes for a clear, audible and convincing presentation. This subconsciously gives the listeners the impression that you really believe in what you are saying and sound confident talking about it too. It will make them want to listen to what you have to say.
3. Clear Presentation - Finally, of course, is the actual presentation of the content itself. Often presentations can look like ‘information overload‘ with tons of numbers, stats, graphs and charts. After a barrage of details and information, the listeners can often be left overwhelmed and ambiguous about what exactly was said. Presentations, whether presented as slides, notes or bullet-points must be clear, concise and to the point while avoiding unnecessary details and verbal ornamentation. Hence, we recommend having one central objective or theme that guides the presentation and not more than three key ideas that the presenter wants the audience to take-away from the presentation. This is the crux of a good presentation!

Presentation Skills Training is a vital aspect of teaching employees the significance of efficient human communication dynamics. Learning to understand how the human brain works in relation to the five senses is an important and useful aspect of effective presentation skills.