In my experience, one of the main reasons many people fear public speaking is that they focus too much on their negative points and their nervousness, rather than on their positive attributes, such as their voice or their personal presentation. It's so common for people to say to me, ‘I just don't like being the centre of attention. I don't like all those people looking at me'.
Well, here's what I think. Whoever you are, you are wonderful! Really, you are terrific. You are special and you are exceptional in your own unique way. Remember this important fact and let your positive attributes as a presenter shine through.
Setting up a system in your organisation where you can give feedback and receive it from other people you respect, and who are sensitive to your needs, is a great way of finding out what you are doing well.
Remember the words of bestselling author Ken Blanchard: ‘Feedback is the breakfast of champions.' Receiving positive feedback can boost your confidence tenfold. Even feedback on what you need to do differently next time, if given in a kind and respectful way, can be wonderful for your overall confidence.
A feedback model to boost your confidence
The model I recommend for giving and receiving feedback is the four-step feedback model, and it can be used for feedback on your online and offline presenting. It's pretty clear from the name that there are four steps! Table 18.1 explains the four steps.
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