Instructions
How to Give a Presentation on Self-Confidence
- 1 Identify Your Audience's Need
You already know your listeners have come to your presentation to learn self-confidence skills and raise their self-esteem. However, they will get more out of your talk if they feel as if you were speaking specifically to them. There are two ways you can accomplish that:
1.On the registration form, you may add a line that asks, "In what areas of life do you lack self-confidence?" Someone may be a confident chef but an insecure parent. So, she wouldn't be as interested in building self-confidence skills at work as she'd be at home with her kids.
2.If you have a small group, just before you start your presentation, ask them to jot down on a piece of paper how they'd like to become more confident. Make sure you indicate you'll keep the answers confidential and that names are not required.
The responses you get will give you a clear idea of what areas to focus on as you give your presentation. For instance, use the answers to help you select examples from life that your listeners will identify with.
2 Tell Your Story
To help your listeners connect with you emotionally so they'll believe you, start your presentation by sharing a piece of your life with them. Tell them an anecdote that illustrates how you went from having low self-esteem and lacking self-confidence to standing before them, confident you can help them do the same.
To give a presentation in the first person, the authors of "Life Orientation" explain, is to show assertiveness, a trait present in those who are self-confident. And this leads to the next step.
3 Walk the Talk
Remember that your listeners came to hear your words but also to see you in action. They're looking to you for inspiration. So, when you speak to them, keep a few things in mind:
The authors of "Communication in Organizations" state that "the posture of presenters expresses their state of mind." So, if you want to convey self-confidence and healthy self-esteem, observe your posture in front of a mirror. Are you slumping forward or standing erect? Also, practice looking into people's eyes instead of looking away.
Speak in a manner that doesn't seem hurried or dull. Also, be prepared to project your voice---with confidence---even if you expect a microphone. You never know when technology will fail, so be prepared to adapt to the room's acoustics.
Prepare to give a presentation in advance, even if you've done it before. Go over your notes and remind yourself of what worked the last time and what could use a revision. Showing up knowing what you want to say and how you want to say it will keep you calm and convey to your audience that you are indeed the right mentor for them.
