I get SO NERVOUS! Just thinking about speaking in front of an audience, no matter what size, makes me very anxious. I’m not sure why I always feel this way and I am concerned that I won’t be able to make my presentation because of it.

This is one of the most common questions we get: people are usually “afraid about being afraid“. One of the curious things about nervousness before a presentation is first having to identify what kind of ‘nerves’ that you’re having.  We have answers!  We work with you to face those fears in ways that help you build and maintain courage when speaking.  In fact, we feel you will learn to actually ENJOY IT!  Seriously, you really can learn to look forward to making public presentations.

I’ve never given a presentation in front of an audience before. How do I look professional without any experience?

While you may never have given a “professional” presentation, you have actually been making ‘presentations’ all your life: every time you’ve spoken to another person, going back to when you first learned to talk as a child. You have more experience than you think you do! These simple nuts and bolts are what we use to train our clients HOW to present, along with methods to engage your audience so that they really want to hear what you have to share!

It’s been a long time since I last made a presentation and I remember them going “OK”. With a new and important presentation coming soon, would I benefit from speech coaching?

Yes, absolutely! The context of public speaking changes over time, with both evolving target audiences and content. We have training packages specifically designed for speakers who are a ‘bit rusty’ and require a reset of their presentation skills. This is very common with speaking in public given the sporadic nature of speaking responsibilities and engagements.

What if I mess up, or freeze, or forget something?  What about things like the bulb in the projector burning out or the sound system going dead?  I just know I will embarrass myself.

In public speaking, there are no perfect presentations. This is not because there’s something wrong, it’s primarily because each one is always different or special: this is the nature of human communications. Most of the time, it’s also because ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN: this is the nature of life. As with all else, the things we attempt to manage when making presentations may not always cooperate - and that is OK. Remember the famous Broadway line, “The show must go on“? We have a checklist of ‘Plan B’s, or even ‘Plan C’s if you need it. (You likely won’t need it, but you never know).  We build your confidence by removing those unknowns.  We promise you, there is a way to turn those lemon-like accidents into successful Lemonade!

I’ve seen really good presenters, but I don’t have their personality.  They seem so extroverted when they speak and I’m just too shy.  Introverts don’t make good speakers.

Fortunately, this is not true. Our coach Stephen is an accomplished public speaker, yet often considers himself an introvert in most. other ways. Anyone, no matter their personality, can be a highly successful presenter no matter what the content of their material or the demographics of their audience.