Business is growing, you’ve got a good team, and you’re ready to take the influence game to the next level, but the next level has a fear factor second only to death, public speaking.
If you experience the fear, nervousness, and apprehension of public speaking, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s believed that up to 77% of the population suffers from that same fear.
However, if you want to make a bigger impact in your industry and leverage your influence, more than you already have, you’ll need to step on a stage, in front of a camera, or create videos to increase your effect in the marketplace.
Being an influencer requires the ability to speak in front of crowds, add value on live television, be highlighted as a panel expert, and a myriad of other offerings that will spin out opportunities. These opportunities can open new doors to the world of thought leadership, endorsements, partnerships, and yes, global domination.
So, if you’re palms are sweating and your heart is racing at the idea of speaking in front of a crowd, hold on, because here are 3 tips to help you master your speaking engagements and presentations, and it’s not what you’re expecting.
Authenticity Attracts Opportunities –
You’ve heard this phrase a million times before and it’s the key to booking more business, leveraging influence, and optimizing opportunities. YOU have to be you! When I start working with clients on their speaking skills, I help them to stand out from the crowd from a personal brand perspective.
Consider what makes you unique and different. What is your “It” or “X” Factor? Simon Cowell has a reality show which showcases individuals all looking to make an impact on the judges and influence the world with their authentic X-Factor. People are hooked on watching this show season after season, not only due to the talent, but also because it offers the audience a chance to see greatness in themselves.
Authenticity is the ability to tap into what makes you special and step away from blending in with the crowd. What is your “It” or “X” Factor? Perhaps a profound sense of humor and the ability to make people laugh is what sets you apart from others in the field of dentistry. As a professional you’ve possibly bought into the narrative that dentists need to be serious to show their skillset or share only the facts with precision.
Of course, all of that has a place, however, imagine if you added your sense of humor and the ability to make people laugh to the mix. Imagine hearing your patient testimonials, what the media will say, and what you’ll feel like when you walk out on a stage.
Here’s a secret: everybody loves to laugh because it creates magic. The magic I’m talking about is the science of what’s happening in the brain. Laughter releases endorphins which can relieve an audience, or a patient’s stress response. Who doesn’t want to feel less stress? A patient can be stressed while sitting in a dental chair to get a cleaning, let alone, dental implants or other dental procedures, so why not release the stress valve and create a little laughter and bonding, no pun intended.
As you begin to think about speaking on stages and increasing your influence, start by focusing on your “It” or “X” Factor. What compliments do you hear the most? What do people specifically love about your passion, personality, strengths, and skills? Once you have more clarity on authenticity you are ready for the next step.
Storytime Isn’t Just for Kids –
Everyone has a story that shares a struggle, demonstrates grit, and exemplifies fortitude when the odds were not stacked in their favor, yet here they are today. As humans we want to hide these stories because we feel vulnerable or we feel we might be judged, and worse than that, we’re still judging ourselves for what happened 10 or 15 years ago.
Fear not, this is what legends are made of and every influencer in the world has a story that sets them apart from everyone else. The difference is they have perfected and packaged their stories for varying audiences and opportunities.
Human beings are hardwired to love and listen to stories. It connects us at the deepest levels of our shared experiences. With great stories, we feel challenged to step up, we get inspired to keep going, and moreover, motivated to see new possibilities. When your message and brand are tied into your personal stories you can impact audiences and create connection continents away.
What’s your story? Let me know, I’d like to hear it.
Start Small – “Big things, have small beginnings.” -Prometheus
No one, let me repeat, no one goes from the fear of public speaking to stepping out on a stage and nailing it 100%. That’s a myth. However, we know that practice helps to embed new skills, increase fluidity, and generate more confidence. So small shifts can create a tremendous change in your impact and authority.
As you think about small steps, begin with blending your authenticity with an amazing story, and then plan how you can share this with your community. Would you consider making a social media video? What about participating in a LinkedIn Live Event? How about asking to participate in a dental panel at a local conference?
There are a plethora of opportunities that require less commitment in the way of time, energy, and financial resources. If you choose to make a commitment to the fast track by taking bigger and bolder steps, then working with a public speaking coach will be the best speed-to-result plan.
The only step that doesn’t work is to do nothing. What are you committing to today, right now?
Holland Haiis helps Dentists and CEO’s master their confidence and public persona by developing their communication and public speaking skills. She is a sought-after speaker, award-winning author and named one of 100 Global Thought Leaders.
Holland has entertained audiences on stages around the globe, has co-hosted and hosted BOLD-TV, an Al Roker Media Production, and has been a featured expert seen on CNN, ABC, NBC, CNBC, FOX News, to name a few.
For more information on Holland or to book a complimentary consultation on how you can leverage your expertise, authority and business through interviews, lectures, and speeches reach out to Holland directly.
HollandHaiis.com
