Meg Bucaro

When you visualize a successful experience, it becomes easier for the brain to actually live that experience. Do not focus on what could go wrong. Imagine crossing a field of weeds... the first person to do so, would step on the plant growth clearing a bit of a path for the person following them. It becomes easier for the second person to simply follow that path and get across that field. When you visualize success, you become that second person along the path, following a path. Visualize how you will feel, what you will see, hear, smell and experience as you successfully complete your speech. Do you get nervous? How do you feel those nerves? Think details! Visualize a successful experience and it will be easier for you next time!

Start with a story. A story helps the audience as well as the speaker. A story is easy for the speaker to remember and engages the audience immediately (if told well). Towards the end of the story, tie the story (or lesson /pivotal point of the story) to your topic at hand and relate that to your audience. (i.e. why should they care? How will this benefit them?) Start with a story, tie the lesson to the main point and include why your audience should care- a super effective way to grab attention of your audience, confidently!

Own. Your. Space. (especially women, who tend to take up less space than men.) Prior to the presentation, ask: - How will the room be set up? -Will everyone be seated? -Will you have notes/slides? -What is the norm? Then, purposefully plan your movements. How many are in your audience? What angle will give you the most benefit of eye contact with your audience? When you move and are not overly tied to your notes/slides, you exude confidence and competence. Move intentionally not out of nervousness. If you stay in one place when you have an entire stage, you may be perceived as if you lack confidence and do not want everyone looking at you. Instead, show the audience that you know what you are doing and own your space.

Yes, know your material, but also know your audience. I disagree with those who include any advice around seeking "perfection"- of course we want to be accurate and prepared but we also want to leave room for authenticity. Unpredictable occurrences happen, but when you know your material and are prepared you can handle any hiccups more confidently. Think technology hiccups, off-the-wall comments/questions, or an disagreeable audience member. Being prepared and authentically you only increases trust and credibility. Do not seek to be a robot, be prepared and be yourself!

Know your audience! Learn about what is important to your audience and then, meld your main ideas to serve the audience. What do they need to know? How do they need to hear it? What stories/examples/jargon will resonate with those in your audience? When possible, connect with a group of individuals representative of the audience, ahead of your presentation , send a survey to ask questions, or more informally, ask a few questions that will help you to include the information your audience needs/wants the most... then focus and be intentional about the message you craft!

Let the facts drive your case, not your feelings. This does not mean to be robotic, but it means to be prepared with facts. What are the most relevant facts related to a salary increase request? Why should you be paid more? Reason with facts... you have taken on a new team, high visibility project, are responsible for $5M in increased revenue. Simplify your reasoning into a list of facts. Then be prepared with reasoning behind each fact. Once you know your reasoning, like the back of your hand, let the conversation happen authentically. Be prepared. Be yourself. Reason with facts.