Today, the U.S. Open tennis tournament begins
at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, NY.
Last week, I visited the tennis center to watch the
qualifying matches for players who didn’t make the main draw and also watch some
of the superstars (like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal) practice.
I love watching tennis - and I think there are
lessons from tennis that can apply to presentation skills:
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| Rafael Nadal practicing his serve |
PRACTICE IS REQUIRED
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are two of the best
tennis players in the world and they practice for several hours a day. They
never say, "I'm good enough, I don't need to practice anymore." I watched each of them on court practice
their serving, forehand and backhand shots and movement.
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| Roger Federer practicing his forehand |
MENTAL ATTITUDE IS KEY
During a match, what the player tells himself or
herself is important, especially when they're down a set and facing a tough
opponent. If a player thinks, "I can't beat this opponent; I'm going to
lose," it will be very difficult to overcome that mindset and win. Instead,
when a player uses positive self-talk, "Yes, I can do this!" along
with an energetic fist pump in the air, he or she is better able to access
their skills, step up their game and have a shot at winning.
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| Jo-Wilfried Tsonga practicing on court |
Likewise, what you tell yourself when you present
is also important. If you drown out the negative voice in your head and
instead, use a positive phrase or mantra, you'll be able to present more
effectively and confidently.
BODY LANGUAGE MATTERS
Two of my favorite tennis commentators, John and
Patrick McEnroe, are always pointing out the players' body language – how
players act between points, how they walk to the other side of the court, how
they respond when they lose a point, etc. Negative body language sends a
message to their opponent that they are giving up and don't believe they can
win.
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| Roger Federer practicing his backhand shot |
When you're presenting, your body language also
sends a message to the audience – it should match the words you're saying and
convey confidence and competence. For example, make eye contact with the
audience, use appropriate gestures to illustrate your points, speak loudly
enough to be heard and avoid nervous pacing.
The next time you have to give a presentation,
remember these lessons from tennis to help you ace it.
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| Richard Gasquet returning a shot in mid-air |