You're presenting on an unfamiliar topic. How can you establish credibility and confidence?

The last thing you should think about is your lack of credibility and self-confidence. Instead, think differently. Yes, the topic may be unfamiliar to you. But could you bring a new spin to it? Give it a breath of fresh air? Think about your audience. They may have formed their views about you even before you present. But what matters more is your NEW & FRESH perspectives & your delivery style. Introduce a different angle based on your professional experiences. Connect your stories of failures & successes to the topic. Bring the concepts to live with real cases which you had first hand knowledge of. Deliver with positive energy & zest in a friendly & humble disposition. Caveat: Know your audience & do your research on the topic thoroughly.

First, I would check to see if someone on my team is more knowledgeable. If so, ask if they would be willing to present or collaborate on the presentation and present together. It is okay to admit lack of knowledge, and can be a more efficient use of resources. In a case when I am still the best person to present it's time to call in the experts via books and articles, or short videos. Read articles and books and cite them. Find one a short clip of an expert summarizing the topic.

1. Start by working to grasp the high-level concepts. Your presentation represents your learning process, allowing the audience to learn as you did. 2. Break the presentation into digestible parts. Follow a clear structure, such as "What, why, how" or "Problem, Solution, Impact. " 3. Focus on what's most important. Use research and SMEs to help pin this down. 4. Use engagement. It relieves some of the pressure and allows conversations to flow more naturally. 5. Don't pretend. Be transparent about your learning process. It shows you love to learn and will build rapport and respect with the audience.

When speaking on a new topic, start by showing your enthusiasm - it’s easier to trust someone who’s excited about what they’re sharing. Research the topic properly to pick up key information. Use simple examples or relatable stories & anecdotes to connect with your audience, making the topic feel familiar to them. Practice properly and work on internalizing and truly understanding the material before your speech. If you mention facts or ideas from experts, it shows you’ve done your research and homework. Speak clearly, make eye contact, & smile - these small actions make you appear more confident. And remember, if you don't know an answer- it’s okay to say, “Let me find that out for you.” It goes a long way in building credibility.