It's not about you......

It's not about you.

This might sound rude, but saying this to yourself is the quickest way to becoming a more impactful and powerful speaker.

It's also often the first thing I say when coaching someone who is nervous about presenting.

And what I mean is, the process of disseminating information is made so much more easy if you can take yourself out of the equation.

If you focus on the outward-facing elements of your work, you’ll find your own emphasis shifts in your delivery.

You’ll be more energetic, more flexible, and more in tune with your own power.

Outward-facing (things you can control):

-Your time, advice, energy etc.

Inward-facing (Things you cannot control):

Judgment, fear, uncertainty etc.

Me?

My motivation is often, "I think this will be useful for the room, so I'm going to focus on usefulness."

Suddenly I'm less worried about my word choice or my clothes or any number of concerns: my focus coalesces around my motivation.

What motivates you when you speak?

Remember: it’s not about you. (It’s about your audience).