16 Dec Identifying Your Differentiators
To become successful when you’re out front, play to your strengths. Discover what makes you stand out from others in your field. What are your strengths and distinguishing characteristics? Zero in on what makes you unique. Consider where you’ve lived, your hobbies, other jobs you’ve had, sports you played, what you learned from a mentor or coach. Once you’ve identified a potential differentiator, ask yourself how that quality benefits your client or audience. Since I was trained as a director, I can quickly identify my clients’ strengths and weaknesses, and give them the tools to be successful in any “scene.”
Whenever you have the chance, include your differentiators when speaking to your audience, customer, or client. I know. It sounds so easy to say. But when all eyes are on you, you feel like a bug trapped under glass. Tell yourself that the audience wants you to succeed.
Really take that in. They want you to be engaging. And they want to hear something unique about you, your perspective, or your subject matter. What makes you stand out? If answering this is difficult, take an aspirational approach. How you would like to be perceived? Mull that over and then put the building blocks in place to create that image. Ask those closest to you how they see you, and which of your qualities they respect and admire. Prime their responses by asking them the following questions:
• What sets me apart?
• What makes you pay attention to what I have to say?
• When do I sound the most animated, engaged or connected to my topic?
• What distracts you from hearing or remembering my message?
• At what point do I lose you when I speak?
• What can I do to improve my presentations?
You can be an effective speaker whether you’re reserved and thoughtful or animated and excited. You can have a quirky sense of humor with your own wacky take on a subject, and still be an effective speaker.
“Identifying Your Differentiators” is an excerpt from Deborah’s new book, Out Front: How Women Can Become Engaging, Memorable and Fearless Speakers. You can pre-order your copy of Out Front here.
About the Author:
Deborah Shames is a Presentation & Communication Specialist and author of the books, “Out Front” and “Own the Room.” Deborah brings her expertise and experience to women around the world. Her goal is to prepare women of all ages, from millennials to seasoned veterans, with the skills they need to be out front.
To read more about public speaking and tips to overcome speaking anxiety, check out the Women Out Front website.
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