Trust Yourself....

I've recently made a big decision. True to my nature, I researched, asked questions, did subtle surveys on anyone who would entertain my insanity and daydreamed to find clarity.

Once I came to my final decision, I was satisfied. I had done my due diligence, tapped into "moi," and made the phone call.

When I started to share my "big step" with others, I didn't exactly get the response I was hoping for. In fact I got a rolodex of responses all related to "You're crazy!"

That may be true, but I think there is something about taking a risk that keeps life interesting.

And there is something definitely interesting about taking a risk in a presentation.

"Taking a risk" and "Seizing the day" isn't a novel idea. Many-a-fridge-magnet offer the same recycled advice, usually posted beside a kitten hanging from a rope advising all who reads it to "Hang in there...."

So when I heard what my ears didn't want to hear, I froze. My feelings of happiness and satisfaction quickly dissipated. My internal feeling of a cool, clear waterfall was replaced with a bag of screaming cats. I panicked. I started to doubt myself.

What had I done?

What was I thinking?

Many of my clients recite the same reaction when feeling well prepared, but getting a look of confusion or discontent from an audience member. All of the sudden, we forget to trust ourselves.

I spoke to an MBA class at Schulich last week. It's fairly typical that I hear the same questions around how to control presentation nerves, engaging your audiences, or handling difficult questions. I'm happy to answer and discuss whatever is important to the crowd. That day I heard a question I hadn't ever heard, and I liked it.

A hand popped up and a gentleman asked "Is it okay to take a risk in a presentation?"

To which I immediately said "Yes! But it must be a calculated risk."

Let me explain....

Know Your Audience - Again, not new information, but this is an aspect you need to carefully consider. If you are amongst a rather conservative crowd, then folks, just stick to the facts. Speak the language of your audience. Meet them where they're at and you'll make a stronger and more immediate connection. If you think there is room for some "creative control" then take that risk.

But bear in mind a couple of things....

Preface it - If you have decided that your audience can handle something off script or not planned then give them a warning in way of a preface that will soften the landing. "I"m going to share something personal; are you okay with that?'

Be Accountable - If all goes well, the crowd will be receptive but there is always the chance that the risk was too much. In that case, you have to accept that "it didn't go well." The law of averages says that some risks will create a greater connection, make an impact and make you a memorable speaker, and sometimes it won't! But that's no reason to not try again.

My speaking style, and the style I like to build in my clients is real and authentic. From what my clients tell me, they appreciate how to find a stronger style, while still being "real." More and more audiences are hungry for senior folks to share something honest, something personal, and to take a risk. Corporate peer pressure has convinced all of us to doubt ourselves when we walk in to a boardroom without a PowerPoint deck.

Sometimes PowerPoint is necessary and very effective. Many times, it isn't.

Want to step out on the edge? Take a risk? Remember the above before you do.

For me, I love taking calculated risks in my presentations. Yes, on occasion it hasn't worked, but most times is does.

And that's enough reason for me to keep going for it.

Best,
Shoana