Is it possible for anyone to become a great presenter?
Let’s define our terms. Anyone is a college graduate in the western world between the ages of 21 and 65.
Let’s define “possible” as an 80% chance that after reasonable instruction, training, and experience, anyone could cause an audience of peers and bosses to say to themselves, “Damn, that anyone gave a great presentation.”
And let’s say that “great presenter” means that anyone (again, after instruction, training and practice) can organize their information into a coherent argument that holds attention, do it in an efficient manner, and deliver it so that the delivery stands guard over the material.
Given the definition of the terms used, I believe that the answer is, “Yes.” The question is, “How can they achieve this goal?”
By WANTING to do it, first of all. And then by HAVING to do it. And finally, perhaps because by accident of birth or circumstance, they were born with the ability.
Shakespeare said this same thing through the character of Malvolio in Twelfth Night: “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon ‘em.”
So I’m saying 80% of us can achieve greatness, as in, “Great presentation,” followed by a thump on the back. And of that 80% of anyones (as defined), 40% would achieve it because they WANTED to, 59% because they HAD to, and 1% because they emerged from the womb as great presenters.