Fear of presenting? How to rebuild your confidence and make impact again
Was the last time you presented a horrible experience that still makes you cringe every time you think about it?
Did you experience a black-out? Or perhaps you felt you were talking nonsense the entire time? Maybe you even decided that presenting simply is not your thing. And perhaps you have avoided presentation situations ever since.
I totally relate to that.
But let’s be honest: haven’t we all been there?
If I had to count the times I lost track or could not come up with the right word while presenting, I would be counting for quite a while.
What truly makes the difference is how we deal with these situations afterwards.
We can either laugh about it and share our unfortunate experience (sharing your “shame” is one of the best strategies that makes shame shrivel away 1).), learn and try to do it better next time.
Or we can tell ourselves a story that we are not cut out for it. To protect ourselves at all costs for any new painful experience.
And I do not blame you ,if you do.
For instance, I told myself a story for at least 15 years that I was a poor writer. A bruise that I caught during secondary school, when one of the teachers made a nasty remark about my writing skills.
But, it is such a waste really.
How to overcome fear of presenting
So, the point I am trying to make is, you have a choice how to deal with these experiences. Do you give them power over you, so you feel small or do you decide you can learn and are determined to do it better next time.
On that note I would like to share a story of a wonderful brave client of mine Jannita. She decided to opt for the “take control and learn” approach after a presentation experience that made her cringe.
Read down below which results she attained by facing her music.
Jannita works as a consultant in the Spa industry and is currently busy with setting up a training programme in China. Earlier she has successfully launched a spa academy in India.
Jannita is a true expert in her field. She completed several studies that all come together in her present work. She studied cultural anthropology, followed several studies on Ayurveda and is a certified beautician.
Several months ago Jannita had an important presentation in store. A summit where all the experts of the industry would gather. One thing was for sure. This time the presentation had to be better than the one the year before.
The previous year I had given a presentation at the same summit and this had not been a positive experience.
The public seemed bored, a joke that I made was not understood. I felt that there was no connection with the public and this remained the case throughout the whole presentation. It was a horrible feeling. I was so happy when the presentation was finally finished.
I know that I have real value to share and that I can bring important knowledge to the sector. But, this important message did not seem to come across.
That is why I decided to do a presentation course with Mabel.
One of the most important things I learned was a good structure for my presentation. Through all the exercises we did, I realised that I had to change the order of my presentation and write about it in a different way.
Another important thing I learned is to view my presentation through the eyes of my public. By occupying myself with the exercises, it became gradually clear what my key message was and what is most important to tell. This was not clear when I did the presentation a year before.
I could never have done this by myself.
This year when I did the presentation I clearly saw that people were into my presentation, by seeing people nod. When I finished my presentation I heard someone say “wow” in the audience and I could feel that my presentation had struck a chord with the audience.
It is incredible what has happened after my presentation. People want to speak with me and I feel they take me serious and regard me as a real expert.
Businesswise, there is a lot of brewing going on. I feel like a true professional that has an important part to play in this international market.
I am truly happy with the results.
Ready to overcome your fear of presenting and step back into the spotlight with more confidence and impact?
Send me an e-mail at info@presentingwithimpact.nl and let’s explore how you can become a stronger, more authentic and more confident presenter.
Kind regards,
Mabel
Notes:
1: Source: The power of our vulnerability. Brene Brown.