1. Never let ’em see you sweat
Unless you’re on Jeopardy, no one expects you to know the answer to every question on the spot! If you’re a true expert, you’ll thank them for their question and use it as an opportunity to follow up with them later on with your confirmed answer.
2. Hit record!
Once you know where you need to improve, you can work with a speaking coach to help address it!
3. Think back to the big picture
I would present my speech differently for college students than for a Fortune 500 company’s Board of Directors – even if I’m teaching them the same concept. That’s why I spend the time helping my coaching clients identify their ideal audience early on.
4. Liven up the place
Amen to that! I’ve been to my fair share of conferences, networking events and guest speakers and while some speakers have a great message, they don’t always share it in a way that’s entertaining… Don’t be afraid to be yourself and wake the audience up with something they aren’t expecting!
5. Embrace your nerves
I love the way my mentor Jess Ekstrom put it once, “Being nervous just means that you care enough whether something goes well.”