How to present with confidence

Imagine the advantage of knowing how to speak with confidence.   

The impact can be huge.  Consider an example reflected in the Academy Award-winning movie, Zero Dark Thirty about how a CIA mid-level manager, Maya, spurred action on Osama bin Laden. 

 Her senior CIA managers were not buying in to her reports of Osama bin Laden's location in Abbottabad, Pakistan. 

Before a meeting with the CIA Director, Maya is told to "sit in the corner," reflecting the CIA's male dominated culture. 

 Responding to the Director's question, senior staff hemmed and hawed about the probabilities bin Laden is where Maya says he is.  One says: "60%."  Another says "50% ... a soft 50%."  

Then someone asks "about the girl. What did she think?"  Speaking confidently and concisely, Maya says, "I am the Mother F***** who found bin Laden.  You want probabilities ... it's 100% ... okay 95% ... but he is there...100%." 

 Her confident, concise response set in motion the successful action against Osama bin Laden's compound. 

 To become more confident and concise, take three steps: 

1. Focus on your role, not perceived inexperience or job title.
2. Think like your audience: put the conclusion up front in a"big picture" 20 seconds or less message.  Skip the detail, unless or until asked. 
3. Trust yourself - if you believe the message, you will speak with an openness and emotional energy that will persuade.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you speak confidently in difficult, stressful situations. 

Email: info@deckertraining.com; telephone: 781-433-0300 or at www.deckertraining.com