7 Steps to Confident Presentations Forever! How to Overcome any “Mini Monkeys”

Do you ever have an unexpected “Mini Monkey” or doubt pop up just as you are about to stand up and make that all important business presentation?

Even those who have attended my presentation training may experience new doubts from time to time – especially when they are challenging themselves and trying something new. But you need to know that’s OK. It’s just a warning bell going off to check you are OK with leaving your comfort zone! Use these 7 steps from my presentation skills book to help you overcome your mini monkeys.

1)   Stop what you are doing – take a pause (stop the downward spiral).

2)   Apply your Confidence Charm (a collection of positive thoughts explained in my book to make you more resourceful).

3)   Return to Presenter State a neutral, straight and grounded stance  (you can even do a seated version).

4)   Take a deep breath, slow your breathing (disguise as having a drink of water if you want).

5)   Return to the “Safety Zone” applying peripheral vision (with your eyes focused on back wall – only as long as you need to gather your thoughts).

6)   Decide on a plan: dependent on the fear or “Public Speaking Monkey” as I call them:

a.) Have a chat there and then – a small worry will be able to disappear away.

b.) Or if it is a long-standing, bigger fear you will need to “Tame The Monkey” – a process outlined in my presentation skills book.  In the mean time. Make a deal, a genuine promise if it leaves you alone now, you’ll do “Monkey Taming” later that day.

7)   Get yourself on the upward spiral by saying “I will…come up with an alternative that works” or “I’m just about to…remember my next point.”

And finally. now is a great time to read, or re-read if you have done my training on presentation skills, The “Taming Your Public Speaking Monkeys – Building Confidence for Public Speaking and Presentations” Book.

Imagine, come September, when you return to work, using your refreshed knowledge to deliver those critical sales pitches, that all important new product launch or an internal presentation.

The first half of the book is all about Taming Your Monkeys & overcoming fears, while the second half is all about skills, techniques and new ideas that you can apply in your business presentations immediately. So happy reading!

Who do you know who needs to improve their business presentations? Perhaps they’d benefit from some training on presentation skills – so call me today for a chat and see how I can help.

If you’d like to read about the Top 5 Presentation Skills Fears read my other Blogs:

• Presentation Skills Fear #1 – Always Worrying “You’re Wrong”
• Presentation Skills Fear #2 – Ever forget what to say?  Does Your Mind Go Blank?
• Presentation Skills Fear #3 – Fear of Making a Fool of Yourself “You’re going to look stupid”
• Presentation Skills Fear #4 – Do you or someone in your team worry about having really boring presentations?
• Presentation Skills Fear #5 – “Nobody Likes Me”