Q: My business is such that I'm required to make presentations, either one-on-one or to small groups. I usually have someone else do these presentations for me, but as my business grows, it's getting more difficult to find someone who has the time. Plus, by now, I should be doing my own presentations, but I still haven't gotten over my fears or nervousness. Am I in the wrong business, or is there some way to learn how to do what seems to come naturally to everyone else?
A: In reality, terrific presentations don't come naturally to most people. There has even been a published report that claims more people say they're afraid of public speaking than say they're afraid of death. But I promise you, after nearly 25 years of training people to make presentations and giving hundreds of presentations to groups large and small, I haven't known one person to die from speaking in front of a group. In fact, it can be lots of fun, and it's a vital part of building many types of businesses, including yours.
The three factors that make or break a presentation are content, structure and presentation style. The best way to conquer your trepidation is to polish up on all three. Start by writing a complete script or detailed outline of the content of your talk, making sure to create a benefit-oriented presentation that contains valuable information. Consider what your audience is hoping to gain from your talk, and center your message on how your prospects will benefit from accepting your proposal. The structure of your presentation should flow logically from beginning to end, without digressions or omissions. Try to anticipate the questions you'll receive, and structure your script to allow for audience interaction.
Content Continues Below
Next, memorize and rehearse your presentation. The best way to polish your presentation style and eliminate any bad habits is to use a video camera to tape your rehearsals, then watch the tapes critically, looking for signs of nervousness or stiffness. For example, grinning, grimacing and repeating a single word or gesture, such as shifting from one foot to the other or saying "um" over and over again; speaking excessively slowly or quietly; speaking in a monotone voice; or staring at the floor all convey nervousness to your audience.
Once you spot your problem areas, practice your talk until you're comfortable that you've overcome them. Watching the videotape of your newly polished presentation style should give you the confidence to begin making presentations on your own.
Kim T. Gordon is a multifaceted speaker, marketing expert and media spokesperson-and one of the country's foremost experts on entrepreneurial success. Her newest book, Bringing Home The Business(Perigee), identifies the 30 "truths" that can make the difference between success and failure in a homebased business. From formulas for positioning a business and creating an image to Internet marketing strategies and tips for work-at-home parents, by reading just one truth per day, in one month, readers will master a complete course on homebased business success. To read an excerpt, get information on media appearances and seminars, receive free how-to articles and advice, or contact Kim, visit http://www.smallbusinessnow.com.
The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, not of Entrepreneur.com. All answers are intended to be general in nature, without regard to specific geographical areas or circumstances, and should only be relied upon after consulting an appropriate expert, such as an attorney or accountant.