Preparing for your next seminar? We know that public speaking and giving presentations can be nerve wracking, even if you know exactly what you’re talking about and you’ve reviewed the presentation itself a thousand times. Here are several tips that can help boost your confidence ensuring you give your best seminar and impress even the toughest potential clients!
1. Research Your Audience
While you have already had your invitations sent out to a targeted demographic in order to reach the most qualified prospects, once you find out who’s coming keep doing a bit of research. It will allow you to feel more comfortable because you’ll feel like you’re talking to people you know.
2. Plan Your Finish
Ending your presentation can be difficult because you might have gone over time, have more time left over than you expected, or feel you have nothing “good” left to say. Have something in mind for how you want to finish, maybe a personal story or a previous experience that will show your audience you know what you’re talking about. Then leave plenty of time for your audience to ask questions.
3. Practice, Practice, Practice
We’re sure you’ve heard this before, but practice makes perfect! The more you practice, the more confident you become in not only your material, but also your demeanor. This will be something your audience will notice and appreciate. Also, when you practice, you might realize there are other points you’d like to make, or stories you’d like to tell that will make your presentation stronger.
4. Know Your Purpose
Recognize why both you and your audience are there. This will help keep you on track and stay focused.
5. Think Positive
Anybody attending your seminar wants to enjoy their time and be educated. In other words, they want you to do well. Believe that you can give the best presentation they’ve ever seen and that they are going to hear so much information they want to talk to you again, and that’s what will happen!
6. Let Your Passion Show
Let’s face it, not everybody in the world wants to grow up and become a financial professional. But you did! Why? What about the financial industry interests you? Whatever your reasons are, let them shine through when you’re presenting. If people can tell that you are passionate and knowledgeable, they will certainly trust you more and want to hear more of what you have to say.
7. Be Confident
You’ve practiced several times, you’re knowledgeable, and you’re just having a conversation with multiple people. Smile and add in bits of humor when appropriate, it’ll show that you’re having a good time so they’ll have a good time. Stay calm, think positive, be confident and trust yourself!
