In a previous post, I wrote about how good presenters are made, not born and how speaking in public can be learned like any other skill.

The challenge is that we expect to be perfect straight away. And if we’re not perfect, we feel as though we have failed.

How illogical is that?

And yet this fear not only stops us from trying, it stops us from even starting! I see this play out in my workshops and in the people I coach and mentor.

  • “Oh, I tried that once and I wasn’t good at it.”
  • “I’m an introvert so I can’t be an engaging speaker.”
  • “I wish I could, but I’m not that lucky.”

Here’s my favourite life hack for when my brain is on the B-side of the tape. Grab your phone, set the timer for 15 minutes, override you critical brain and just start.

Once you have started apply Stretch & Tweak:

Stretch

  1. Challenge yourself, what have you always wanted to do? Now, ask yourself what is holding you back? Step up and give it a crack!
  2. You don’t need to stretch to breaking point, just increase your flexibly, limber up, amplify and expand.
  3. Try something new, learn something new and most importantly, think something new.

Tweak

  1. We all know the saying ‘Practice makes perfect’ but what many people don’t realise is that practice doesn’t makes perfect, practice makes permanent.
  2. We need to constantly look for feedback, to be able to evaluate and twea
  3. Tweak is about continuous improvement
    Rarely is something perfectly formed in its first attempt, we need to practice ‘pleasant, patient, persistence’ and realise that yes, something do take time.
  4. Tweak is about saying it’s not perfect, but I’ve shipped it, it’s out there and I’ll review and tweak as needed.

Communication is rarely perfect. We constantly need to evolve and adjust to how we are perceived or understood. And that’s okay – it is the progress, not perfection that matters.

So, for your next presentation, try something new, get it out there and stretch and tweak!

Pitching Essentials Workshop

There are only a few places let for my workshop on May the 10th 2018. My clients have made tens of millions of dollars from pitches I have helped them craft. Come and learn the tips and tricks to creating an engaging and persuasive pitch.

For booking details click here.

Sharon Ferrier
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All Good Presentations Start With a Confident Speaker

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