Sunday, August 15, 2010

Public Speaking - The First Moment of Fear

You've just been introduced by your host, you've walked up to the front of the room and thanked her or him. You turn and face your audience for the first time to deliver that all-important opening statement. What happens inside your head at that moment?

Does your mind go completely blank? Are you quietly quivering in your shoes, struggling for calm? Are you internally criticizing yourself or your audience somehow? Do you wish you could be anywhere else but there?

What is that "saboteur," that inner critic or negative self-talk that threatens to ruin your performance, saying to you?

Delivering a winning presentation takes a lot of preparation. The last obstacle we all need getting in the way of our success is struggling with our personal saboteurs while we're trying to establish the first connection with our audience. And often, that's the biggest obstacle-- getting over that first moment of fear as we begin our presentations.

The following is a coaching process that addresses the saboteur and sends them away. Remember what happens internally at the outset of your presentation, and answer each of the following questions later, thoroughly, when you're on your own, in writing, or with a coach:

What is the inner voice/saboteur saying exactly?

How would you describe this voice/ saboteur?

Personify the saboteur and identify it a something that is not you or separate from yourself.

What is that saboteur protecting you from?

Why are you making the presentation and why is that important?

Direct the saboteur to go elsewhere!

After completing this process, the next time you find yourself in front of an audience and your saboteur rears its ugly head, you may identify the saboteur for what it is immediately, remember why you're there, and move on to deliver a winning presentation.

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