Be The Star Of Your Next Meeting
Be The Star of Your Next Meeting
Present like a pro!
Do you have a fear of public speaking? I can still remember that day in my first year of community college. I had to stand up in front of the class and do a book report on Moby Dick. Unfortunately, I hadn’t read the book. I flubbed my way through and did a totally mediocre job. But at least it was over.
Then, a young woman got up and did a book report — also on Moby Dick. The only difference was, she had actually read it! After hearing her excellent book report, I wanted to crawl into my shoes and I promised myself that I would never do more public speaking again as long as I lived. Well, as you can tell, that didn’t happen.
In 1984, I had just gotten into the Guinness Book of World Records for bass fishing. A local television host asked me to be her guest on the show. I had no fear of doing it because I knew there would only be three people in the entire television studio. However, the host threw me a curveball. She asked me if I could speak to her fishing club the night before the TV taping. This was for the Lady Reelers — a group of 75 female saltwater anglers. I was 25 years old at the time this happened. What did I possibly have in common with them?
I knew I had to go through with it so I just bit the bullet and gave it my best shot. They treated me like a fish out of water (pun intended). I was 25 years old. Most of them were between 45 and 60 years of age. They were teasing me and flirting with me and we all had a great time.
What I learned from that experience was that I wasn’t afraid of public speaking. I was afraid of being unprepared for public speaking. I write out specific notes in an outline form that helps me to stay on track. I make lesson plans whenever I do a seminar. Now, I no longer fear public speaking but rather, look forward to every opportunity I have to present. They actually turn out to be fun experiences.
That evening turned out to be a turning point moment for me. It made me realize that the key to presenting like a pro is to know your facts and create an orderly outline to keep you on track. Naturally, the more you practice, the smoother your presentation will sound. I also encourage you to always end on a high note. That’s the way to make people want to come back for more.
"I set myself on fire and people come from miles around to watch me burn." - Actual source unknown
(This excerpt is taken from my seminar entitled Presentation Mastery.) I encourage you to click here to register for my exclusive live Zoom Presentation Mastery seminar on Thursday, February 17, 2022 from 9 AM to 12 noon Eastern Standard Time.
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