Presentation Tip from Birthday Boy John McEnroe

 

 

 

“What is the single most important quality in a tennis champion? I would have to say desire, staying in there and winning matches when you are not playing that well.”

That’s a quote from John McEnroe, the tennis champion and former superbrat, who celebrates his 50th birthday today.

While of course the quote has nothing to do with public speaking, I think it’s good guidance anyway.

Desire is also the most important quality in a good speaker.  

Many people ask me whether I think it’s impossible to be a great speaker if you’re not gifted in the way McEnroe was at tennis. Talent helps. But you don’t need the talent of a John McEnroe.  But you do need desire and a willingness to practice.

It also helps if you have passion. Hopefully, you’ll do a little better job than “Johnny Mac” of controlling that passion.