When you’re about to build or launch a project, doing so with conviction matters an awful lot.
When you’re presenting your plan to your boss, or the team, or the class, own it. Do your homework, do the grunt work of putting it together, anticipate some questions and prepare answers. But then own it.
Speak clearly and slowly. Look them in the eye. Smile. Take it seriously, but not too seriously. Present yourself as though you know you’ve got the game well in hand, and that you’ve every confidence you’re on the right track (even if you have to fake it a bit).
If you get questions you don’t know the answers to, say “I hadn’t thought of that. But you know what, I’ll be back to you with an answer within 24 hours.” Say that with confidence. Then, go find the best answer you’ve got. And deliver it.
Sure, you may not nail it. You may have that guy in the room that’s determined to throw water on every fire you light.
But Jon Morrow reminded us that ideas – your ideas – are worth fighting for.
The ability to walk into a room, put your plan on the table, and let people throw rocks at it takes courage and some humility. Maybe you’ll even learn a thing or two. Quiet confidence and an articulate presentation are rare gems in a business world cluttered with CYA and mediocrity. That’s why they work so beautifully.
As you start this year delivering the plans you’ve worked so hard to build and shape in your head and on paper, practice. Own them. Believe. And give them the presentation they deserve.
Go to it.
Thanks Amber. This is encouraging, considering I’m on a team that’s starting a pretty big project this year. But it’s one in which I have conviction. 🙂
Thanks Amber. This is encouraging, considering I’m on a team that’s starting a pretty big project this year. But it’s one in which I have conviction. 🙂
Great inspiration Amber – thanks for the post! In particular, I liked that you threw in the bit about learning. It’s important for us to be confident in our presentations but always remain open to learning from what we hear. As you said, it takes courage to put it all out on the line, but in order to be successful, we have to be willing take those risks. This reminds me of the mantra out at Wieden + Kennedy: Fail Harder. Love it!
Thanks again Amber!
.-= Brandon Sutton´s last blog ..2010 – The Year of Listening? =-.
Great inspiration Amber – thanks for the post! In particular, I liked that you threw in the bit about learning. It’s important for us to be confident in our presentations but always remain open to learning from what we hear. As you said, it takes courage to put it all out on the line, but in order to be successful, we have to be willing take those risks. This reminds me of the mantra out at Wieden + Kennedy: Fail Harder. Love it!
Thanks again Amber!
.-= Brandon Sutton´s last blog ..2010 – The Year of Listening? =-.
Excellent advice, Amber. Jon Morrow’s reminder is incredibly powerful. Thanks for sharing.
Excellent advice, Amber. Jon Morrow’s reminder is incredibly powerful. Thanks for sharing.
Great post. I was just thinking of a little if/then scenario for this. If “sex sells” and “confidence is sexy” then reason tells us “confidence sells.” 🙂 I loved Jon Morrow’s post as well – by far my favorite of the year.
Great post. I was just thinking of a little if/then scenario for this. If “sex sells” and “confidence is sexy” then reason tells us “confidence sells.” 🙂 I loved Jon Morrow’s post as well – by far my favorite of the year.
So true Amber, as ownership and conviction are key to getting your message across. I also spend time thinking of the audience, and their potential questions or objections. I rarely guess them all, but having quick answers to the majority of issues raised lends further support to the presentation.
.-= Global Patriot´s last blog ..What Santa Forgot To Bring Us =-.
So true Amber, as ownership and conviction are key to getting your message across. I also spend time thinking of the audience, and their potential questions or objections. I rarely guess them all, but having quick answers to the majority of issues raised lends further support to the presentation.
.-= Global Patriot´s last blog ..What Santa Forgot To Bring Us =-.
You have a knack for writing when I need the great advice! Thank you again for a great post and for encouraging us to get to what we need to do and to learn from it. The moment is now and only we can make it happen.
.-= Jamie Favreau´s last blog ..Social Media to Save the NHL (Last installment a bit late) =-.
You have a knack for writing when I need the great advice! Thank you again for a great post and for encouraging us to get to what we need to do and to learn from it. The moment is now and only we can make it happen.
.-= Jamie Favreau´s last blog ..Social Media to Save the NHL (Last installment a bit late) =-.