Have you been watching the Olympics? I’m skiing in Stowe, Vermont, this week, and have been glued to the TV every night. I’ve been watching the events (not just skiing), and listening to the “back stories” of the athletes. It’s amazing what these Olympic athletes have done to earn a place on the team, and sometimes the medals podium.

Key words that come to my mind are: 

Granted, these athletes have talent – but, so do lots of other people in their respective sports. Is this so different from winners and others who excel from any other areas of life? For example, a musician, an actor, a singer, a dancer, a business professional? All of these professions also require dedication, focus, passion and practice – if those in these fields are going to make it and succeed. Why then do businesspeople assume that they can “wing” a presentation? Knowing the subject isn’t the same as speaking about it. Giving a winning presentation requires much more. Standing on the podium means many things. There’s a lot that speakers can learn from Olympic athletes.