In the Focus Phase we look intensively at the driver of a speaker. The intention of is to become aware of your personal motivation.
Unfortunately too many speakers do not pay attention to the Focus Phase resulting in sabotaging behavior. Their personal motivation turns into a hidden agenda. In a hidden agenda there is no room for the audience, there is no genuine interest in anyone else but you, only the focus to reach a personal goal no matter what. The no matter what turns into manipulating behavior.
You can easily recognize people with a hidden agenda; they are often prepared but badly, they talk a lot saying little, avoiding questions or segwaying directly into their personal focus. They can get defensive, are confusing or contradict themselves. They highlight their achievements and try to prove their expertise by showcasing themselves. Flashy presentations or theatrical speaking style combined with weak content add to this picture.
After their presentation you do not know what was in it for you. An hour after the presentation you have forgotten the message. Months afterwards you still remember how badly they presented.
Most speakers do not understand that focusing solely on their personal gain is a lose-lose situation. You might bluff someone for a short moment but in the long run you loose as your audience figures out you have no real interest in them.
Having a hidden agenda is a curse.
Bad presenting is linked to a hidden agenda. The result is negative to the speaker. Once you loose credibility it is hard to gain it back. When people feel manipulated it will be impossible to gain it back.
Paying attention to the Focus Phase prevents you from the unconscious curse of a hidden agenda. A hidden agenda made conscious is your personal motivation and the driver to create a meaningful message adapted to your audience.