14 Dec The Authentic Amateur Wins
The difficulty for speakers stems from the belief that it is their responsibility to educate, inform, and then make sure the audience understands the topic. With this perspective, there is always the potential to add more content, especially if you want to be as thorough as possible. And your anxiety ramps up when you consider the possible negative responses from the listener who may know more than you do, or react negatively.
When informing is the sole purpose of your presentation, you put enormous pressure on yourself to become an Expert, qualified to speak on the subject. Your material will likely be sanitized, lacking visual imagery and personal perspective that can sway the audience. The presentation will probably go on too long to sustain audience interest. Finally, you’ll sound professorial, rather than someone who is engaging and animated. As a result, it will be difficult if not impossible for you to achieve your Intention.
Time and time again clients protest that they aren’t comfortable adding their own perspective and insist on writing out the content and then reading it word-for-word during the presentation. They truly believe that their job is to educate rather than persuade their audience, client, or customer. I hear the same justification regardless of the person’s industry, level of experience, or communication style.
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.
In Out Front: How Women Can Become Engaging, Memorable and Fearless Speakers, Deborah Shames shares her personal journey and provides a guide for learning the skills to communicate effectively to any audience. It is now available via pre-order.
To read more about public speaking and tips to overcome speaking anxiety, check out the Women Out Front website.
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