Have you ever wished that you could bring more of your best self to meetings, presentations and key conversations?
6P’s FOR PRESENCE
Even the brightest and most seasoned professionals can experience a hitch in their confidence when it matters most.
But what if I told you that the secret to commanding confidence and credibility lies well before you step into 'the room'?
Let's dive into my '6P's for Presence’ to get you started on the journey to a more confident you:
1. People: Who are the people you'll be speaking to? Reach out to them beforehand and ask about what they’d like to discuss. This isn't just polite; it's strategic. It's about building rapport and gaining insights that will make your actual communication smoother and more effective.
2. Perspective: What does your audience care about most right now? What are their needs and desires? When you shape your communication around what matters most, not only will they be more attentive, but you'll be more relevant.
3. Purpose: What's the goal of your message? What insights do you want to share or receive? Don't beat around the bush. Be clear, be concise upfront about the objective of the conversation, and make sure you're understood.
4. Presentation: What visuals will help your message resonate? Whether it's a roadmap, a model, hard-hitting data, or an engaging story, find the right aids to enhance your narrative, it’s worth the effort.
5. Practice: ‘Natural’ communicators are made, not born. Rehearse your opening, your timing, your closing out loud. Any important interaction is worth the time to practice verbally to get you on the front foot.
6. Place: What’s the optimal environment for this conversation? Do you need the privacy of an office, or would a café or walking meeting be more suitable? If you’re presenting, make sure to visit the venue ahead of time so that you can check out the set-up, technology and space and prepare accordingly.
By adopting these '6P's, you're not just preparing; you're setting the stage for greater presence and impact.
WHEN YOU’RE ON THE SPOT
During a recent leadership session in Asia, we tackled the challenge of responding to tough questions 'on the spot'. No matter your level of expertise, pressure can trigger a physical response – rapid heartbeat, sweaty palms, or a tight chest.
When you’re in this state, it can cause you to go blank, to stay silent, or stammer or stumble over your words. Alternatively, it can cause you to ramble unclearly or overpromise. Either way, it prevents you from being your best and frankly it feels pretty awful!
Here are strategies we explored to help:
1. Recognise your physiological 'tells': Do you get breathless, or go red? Awareness gives you the power to calm your system and regain control.
2. Reframe the nerves: When you sense nerves creeping in, rather than focussing on them as an unwanted symptom of fear, try reframing them as excited energy and an opportunity for growth and move on. Focus on what your audience needs, and listen hard to them, not to your internal state.
3. Pause and breathe: This simple act can significantly reduce stress responses, allowing you to think clearly and respond effectively. Pausing before you respond gives the impression that you are confidently considering your response.
4. Buy time: To create a moment of mental space, you can repeat the question to clarify your understanding, or say something like ‘thank you for asking that, this is such an important thing to consider’. Even those few moments will help you to process your response.
5. Delay and deliberate: If you don’t know the answer, that’s ok! Ask the room if they have thoughts to share to get a discussion going. Or, clarify your understanding, note that you’ll need to conduct more analysis to give a meaningful response, and let them know when you’ll be able to get back to them.
6. Synthesise your response: Break your response into three. E.g. “Great question, there are three elements to this. Firstly, …, Secondly…Finally…. “ This gives you control of the conversation, clarity of the response and time to pull your thoughts together.
Remember: Presence and confidence start with preparation. Embrace the '6P's and take control of your professional narrative. And when nerves strike, know that it's not a sign of weakness but a signal to use these tools to reframe, refocus and respond.
If you're interested in executive coaching or advisory support for yourself or your team in 2024, please send me a direct message, or click here to book an initial chat.
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