Without passion, a presentation can turn into the proverbial nightmare. Especially when you are presenting a new idea to a group that has always done things the same way, and isn’t really looking for any new way to do anything. Still, if you are an innovative and inventive type of person it is hard for you to be involved in a group that refuses to progress forward.

There is nothing wrong with you; the problem is within the stagnation of the status quo running the organization. So what can you do, you ask?

Well let me explain how to present a new concept or innovation to the status quo, and why your passion, energy, and strength of character is needed to see this through. First of all, you must realize there will be people in the group that are not interested in anything you say, they don’t even want to be there listening to a new idea. You must not dwell on this or spend your time looking at these people and trying to convince them, you can’t, and they won’t change.

Also, you should not spend your time talking to people who agree with you and looking them in the eyes while giving your presentation, they are already on board and all you need to do is smile at them once in a while when giving your presentation. They are already on your team and will vote if it comes down to a vote for your new concept or innovation.

The people you need to concentrate on are those people who are on the fence, who perhaps make up portions of the leadership of the organization, but also generally go along with the flow and the general consensus of the group. They can be your change-makers and it makes sense to gear your talk and presentation towards them. I hope you will consider this advice and good luck in presenting.