You Don't Lack Confidence

Let's be clear: you absolutely have confidence. You're just not sure where you put it! Chances are you have loads of confidence in some aspects of your life which doesn't necessarily transfer to other activities. I have worked with brilliant people who literally perform brain surgery (somehow the universal and elusive litmus test of a serious skill set) yet quake at the thought of speaking to an audience about that incredible expertise.

Confidence can be acquired and it can also be nurtured, faking it along the way until you actually make it. An introvert will never become an extrovert but can learn to "pass" for one, only paying the price later, at home, curled into a ball on the couch.

So often coaching clients, who want to become better presenters, tell me they want to shed their nervousness about getting up on the stage. This is a pointless objective because (a) it's not about your comfort; it's about your effectiveness and (b) nerves drive your performance to be better. The trick to nerves and confidence is not to give in to the pressures of either. Too much confidence and you'll come off as an asshole. Too much nervous energy and you'll show your hand -- full of fear. The people you seek to engage, persuade and inspire want to see your humanity so yes to a little nervousness, and they also want to feel they are in good hands so yes to a little confidence.

In my experience, looking and sounding confident starts with your choice of content, and how it's structured. If you create a script that is overly detailed, dry and inert, how can you expect to be brilliant in its delivery? You must create a presentation that gives you a chance to feel comfortable, to draw on your talents and skills, and that makes you want to deliver it! Buy the car you ache to drive.

Happy to chat more if you believe your ability to present is critical to your career and life success. HINT: it absolutely is.