Speaking? Presenting? Sell yourself!

(423 words)

As social animals we know that as we move through the days and weeks we meet people and they form opinions about who we are and what we do by many things: our appearance, our manner of speech, our stance, our enthusiasm … many things. When we have an opportunity to address a group whether it is 5 or 1000, this process is hugely amplified. We have, at that unique moment, an opportunity to engage, influence, inspire, connect with and impress our audience. Or not. It is an incredible opportunity. Nothing is more powerful, more exciting than listening and experiencing someone who knows their subject, is passionate about it and can communicate that message, that enthusiasm, to their audience. And the person who can do that stands out in their workplace, their community, or their organization. They are a leader.

So why is it that we so often squander that chance to become that respected coworker, colleague or leader that can effectively communicate their ideas and move people to action? We avoid the chance to speak to groups and when we are pushed into it we resort to a dreadful, uninspiring delivery (often hiding behind horrible PowerPoint slides) to convey our message — to tell our audience who are and what we can do.

Is it fear? The common story is that we fear public speaking more than death. That is just hogwash. And we have all bought into it. That fear is very superficial. I have seen that fear evaporate literally hundreds of times at Toastmasters meetings when a new member takes that great leap of faith and stands in front of a supporting group and delivers their first speech. The empowerment of that moment is literally off the charts. It is not overstating it to say that people’s lives change dramatically after completing their first manual in Toastmasters. I cite this not as an advertisement for that great organization but as a clear example of what happens when people step up, realize they have a voice, have confidence in that voice and use it to tell the world “Here I am and I have something important to say.”

Every time you stand in front of a group whether informally or as a presenter you have an awesome opportunity: you can change lives, yours and theirs, you can sway opinions, you can connect, you can impress and endear them to you. You can sell a product, an idea or yourself.

That is a precious moment. Truly an opportunity of a lifetime. Don’t squander it.

Tom Nixon, works with people who want to use visual business presentations (like PowerPoint) to connect with and motivate their audience. He has over 30 years experience as a graphic designer, writer and photographer working with clients of all sizes, ranging from 1-person entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 corporations.

Tom speaks and coaches about all aspects of presentation skills with a special emphasis on the combination of verbal delivery plus visuals (PowerPoint and Keynote). Contact Tom at tom@tomnixondesign.com or 770.289.0752.