America’s No. 1 fear is not being blown up by a terrorist. No. 1 is public speaking.
People hate doing it. The preparation, the presentation, the knowledge you need and the ability to answer questions can be overwhelming.
When I was working in the insurance industry I was invited to one of the biggest worldwide insurance brokers to talk with their staff of agents and brokers about a new concept in health and a worker’s compensation coverage. The company president was there and so was the executive VP of my company.
I should have been nervous. I was not. Instead, I was confident, comfortable and relaxed. I had given this presentation many times.
Since I was training to be a hypnotist, I held an advantage over other salespeople in my company. Why? Because I was learning about suggestibility, behaviors and handwriting analysis.
Principally, there are two ways we communicate, literal or direct, and secondly, inference or alluding to.
“No food or drink allowed in the store” is a literal example.
“Thanks for leaving your food and drink outside” is an illustration of inference.
Generally, all persons speak in a mixture of both. Whether literal or inferential, we take in information opposite to the way we speak.
Figuring Out People
In my previous career, hypnotherapy classes were teaching me how to understand people’s behavior. I began to grasp who I could approach in a friendly fashion, who more cautiously.
Handwriting analysis was helpful. As the decisionmaker was making notes, I could see his/her character traits. These tools helped me to become the most successful salesperson in company history..
My purpose is not to blow my own trumpet but to say that you can attain success by putting in the required effort.
When preparing a speech, it is important to understand that the audience is not going to be hostile. They want to be there.
Relax. Know your topic. Practice in front of a mirror to see how you look when giving the speech. Control exaggerated facial, body and hand movements.
Most of all, be enthusiastic. People pick up on your tone. Let it show.
Learn your speech. Be flexible so that if you err, it is easy to cover. Take small cards with key words to prompt you.
Giving a speech is not magic. It truly can be fun. Go in front of people with a positive, focused, friendly attitude and show the audience the extent of your knowledge, the depth of your comfort level.
Masking Lack of Confidence
Always appear confident — even if you are not. Only you know you are nervous.
Finally, see a hypnotist who will help you to run through your presentation while in hypnosis. This will help you to remove anxiety. Remember, nervousness and excitement are the same. When preparing a speech, think of that feeling in the pit of your stomach as excitement not nerves.
Focused, confident, knowledgeable and excited, the keys for the speech you always have wanted to give.
Do not hesitate to contact me by telephone, 310.204.3321, or by email at nickpollak@hypnotherapy4you.net. See my website at www.hypnotherapy4you.net
