My top 7 tips for lifting your presentations skills to give you the ability to speak with confidence and clarity.
1. Take action.
Take the first step to give a presentation.
No matter how small the steps toward becoming a competent speaker, take them. Take every opportunity you can to stand in front of an audience and present, tell a story, run a workshop, promote your business, be the speaker at a networking event. Seek out opportunities and make them happen. Remember, every speaker has taken the first steps toward becoming a speaker.
2. Start with the end in mind.
Set a clear outcome for your presentation and structure your presentation toward that result. Is it a call to action? Is it for your audience to purchase a product? Is it to impart knowledge and educate your audience? Whatever your objective, ensure you are very clear about this and connect your presentation back to it.
3. Know your content.
Research your content and be the expert when you are speaking: knowledge will alleviate any fear and anxiety you have about speaking. Give your audience the best value you possibly can.
5. Tell stories.
Weaving stories and metaphors into your presentation is a wonderful way of connecting with your audience. People love and remember stories. Connect from your heart with stories that are your experiences and are on topic.
6. Practice, practice, practice
I cannot emphasise enough how important this is, especially at the beginning of your speaking career. Rehearse with the same passion that you will tap into when you are in front of your audience. Practice out loud. I found that practising in the clothes I was going to wear for the presentation – especially the shoes – made the practice more realistic and absolutely worked for me.
7. Show the passion.
Be authentic. Be yourself. Say it how it is and say it with passion. When you show the passion, you can’t help but shine. Add your personality and that will distinguish you from every other speaker. After all, that’s what you want isn’t it? Tap into your heart space and give of yourself. Know that you are giving great value and you have the potential to change lives.
Moving on from these steps, you will find your own style with time and add your personality to presentations.
One of my favourite quotes is from Dr John Demartini, who once said “Don’t let the fear stop you from leading an extraordinary life”.
Do whatever you can to move through the fear and find the confident speaker you aspire to be. It’s a wonderful place to live!
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