I have a love/hate relationship with the term ‘passion’.

Having said that, passion is incredibly important in a presentation and as a presenter. When critiquing both business and famous speakers, it’s a word that comes up time and time again as not just a positive criterion, but also a requirement of a good speaker.

If you don’t have passion for your topic or your content, why on earth should your audience? If your passion for your topic is evident (even if you know your topic is a little ‘dry’), then your audience is far more likely to remain engaged. Your passion can show through in your expertise, your eagerness to communicate that expertise and the energy with which you throw yourself into your presentation.

The next time you see someone speak, ask yourself: Does this person have passion for their topic and if so, how can I tell?

If you’re not sure if you’re presenting with passion, try speaking for 60 seconds on a topic you really are passionate about – your favourite sport or team, your family, your hobby, anything you can really get passionate about.

How does that feel? What were you doing with your body and voice that communicated passion? Can you take that feeling and those actions and apply them to a business presentation?

If you’re not passionate about your topic, don’t expect your audience to be.