Three reflective exercises to help you become a more confident, effective public speaker.
November 11, 2024
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It’s much easier to change and improve how we communicate when we understand why we speak and behave the way we do. That’s why the most effective presenters and communicators often have a strong sense of their identities and a level of self-awareness acquired through reflecting on their beliefs, attitudes, and behavioral patterns. To become more aware of our own communication styles, and how they change due to context, you can do some inner work. This includes identifying any “hidden commitments” that may be stopping you from reaching your goals, tapping into your “portfolio of selves,” and debunking any negative stories you may be telling yourself about how you come across in front of a crowd.
For 20 years, I’ve worked as a coach, helping leaders and teams improve their presentation skills. One of the most frequent comments I’ve gotten is, “Wow, this kind of feels like therapy!” This may sound surprising to some, but my guidance typically delves deeper than the popular advice, like make eye contact, use body language, or share your agenda beforehand. While my approach is by no means therapy, I do push people to improve by engaging in some inner work.
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New!
HBR Learning
Presentation Skills Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Presentation Skills. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Inspire your audience with confidence and poise.
