As you know, at Natural Training we love a natural presenter:  someone who is able to engage the audience without trying too hard (such as using acting skills with overly exagerrated mannerisms and gesturing).

Which is why David Blane gets my vote as a great natural presenter.

I was absolutely riveted during his 20 minute TED TALK video (below), which grabbed my attention with the enticing headline “How I held my breath for 17 minutes.”

Blane spent considerable time crafting the content, getting the messaging right, and hitting the right visual note for each point.

He read out about 50% of it, which usually isn’t the best thing to do, but he got away with it because he stayed within his natural style.

And that’s the key:  Blane showed his own personality and didn’t try to “put on a show”.  In that way, we bought into him as a person.

Which is why he got a standing ovation!

Take a look at the video (below) and let me know what you think!