Preparing For Business Presentations: 10 Tips To Boost Your Confidence
Someone once told me, “The most successful salesman is a confident salesman.” I have found this to be extremely accurate. Confidence results from the absence of doubt; such absence of doubt comes from being prepared.
By Michel Koopman
Someone once told me, “The most successful salesman is a confident salesman.” I have found this to be extremely accurate. Confidence results from the absence of doubt; such absence of doubt comes from being prepared.
During critical meetings or presentations, every word can tip the balance between a great presentation and an ill-received one. I believe your inner confidence, without arrogance, is the singular most important factor to success. It’s common knowledge that many people fear speaking in front of large groups or senior executives. Each of the following 10 tips can help boost your confidence before and during a critical meeting or presentation:
1. Rehearse.
When you review and practice your presentation, you’ll naturally become more comfortable with the content. Rehearsing creates familiarity with the material and catches hiccups before they appear in front of others. If you're well-prepared, your confidence soars. In my experience, a lack of confidence stems from newness.
2. Play the role of the audience.
Meet the audience where they are. Imagine you have the role, title, background, etc., of your audience. Would you feel engaged and understand (or care for) the level, depth, details, examples, illustrations, etc., in your presentation? If not, adjust your content, style, approach and mannerisms.
If you present a complex financial topic, for example, and your audience includes the CEO, head of human resources and controller, the controller will understand everything you're saying. The HR person might not, and the CEO will likely be somewhere in the middle. It's important to ensure everyone in your audience “gets it.” In doing so, you will feel more confident…
Read the full article on Forbes Business Council