Have you ever been asked to make an impromptu speech?

Do you sweat bullets when you have to give a last minute presentation?

Is there something important that you MUST tell someone, but you don’t know how to do it?

Well, here’s the solution to NEVER being caught off guard again!

If you can answer the following three questions, you can nail it every time.

“Why am I here?” 

“Why are they here?”

“What do I want them to leave with?”

Since you’re already in the room, there’s a pretty good chance you can answer that first question. 

Are you the resident expert? Did you call the meeting? Are you there to learn something?

Is your presence a requirement for your job, a class or certification?  Is this a personal conversation?

Figuring out why you’re in the room is arguably the most crucial question you have to answer.  If you’re feeling like a fish out of water, there’s no way you’re going to project power and control.

However, if you KNOW that no one can get what he or she needs unless YOU give it, you already have a psychological edge.

When you understand why you showed up, you’re a third of the way there.

Now that you’ve answered that question, the next part of the battle is figuring out why everyone else is there.

Who are these people?   Are they your staff, peers, supervisors, prospective clients, family, etc.?

Do they need data, your advice, expertise, reassurance or guidance? 

When we have to face an audience (or one person for that matter), we often focus on whether we’re going to hit a home run. 

Change your perspective and you’ll be amazed at what happens when you think about what your audience needs. 

You’re pretty clear now on why you showed up.  You’ve got a pretty good idea why everyone else is there.  Now, let’s tie a bow on this puppy.

What do you want them to take with them when they walk out the door? 

Do you want them to be motivated, educated, on-task, shocked, relieved, inspired?

You’ve heard the saying ‘Begin with the end in mind.”  That advice can be your ace in the hole when you’re in the spotlight.   If you can figure out, before you get up to speak, what end result you want, you are GOLDEN!

Taking the guesswork out of getting in front of anyone can eliminate an enormous amount of stress. 

Answering those three important questions is the first step!

Learn the inside secrets of ‘how’ to make this happen through presentation skills coaching and media training.  Unleash the communications powerhouse inside of you!

Find out more at www.YourCoachForSuccess.com and sign up for your ‘For Success newsletter!  It’s FREE!

*Copyright © 2008 Annetta Wilson

About the Author

Annetta Wilson is a business strategist specializing in media training and presentation skills coaching.  A talent coach for CNN, she’s coached teams and individuals at Walt Disney World, universities, private, civic and governmental organizations. Annetta is an award-winning journalist with over 30 years experience in the broadcast industry.  She is a Certified Professional Behavioral Analyst.  Visit her Web site at www.YourCoachForSuccess.com

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