Before we start a new workshop, myself and my peers at iSpeak take the time to meet each individual in the room and learn their name. Throughout the workshop, we use our students’ names when we address them. Recently I was teaching a sales class and 5 minutes after class started, I mentioned a student as part of my introduction by using his name. When my opening was finished. That same student asked “How did you remember my name? Are we going to learn that? I’m terrible at remembering names.”
I smiled and responded with, “Yes we will,” and we moved on.
Do you ever think that? Do you ever immediately concede to “I’m terrible at remembering names, so I’m not going to try.” What about, “luckily the product sells itself, so I don't have to try hard.” How about this last one, “I can’t speak in public. I’m just no good and I freak out.”
Now that last one we get a lot. In fact, it’s why many clients hire us, to help students move closer to becoming a more comfortable public speaker. In this article, let’s talk about attitudeand the power of positivity!
In one of our sales classes, we mention the first step in getting better at remembering names is have the right attitude!Stop letting your mind concede with “I just can’t.” Before the sales call, event, party, or meeting ever begins, please know this… If you start with “I can’t”... then you won’t!
The same goes for speaking in that project summary meeting with the executives, proposal meeting with that new client, or that formal presentation to people you don’t even know.
If in your preparation you tell yourself you’re just no good, you can’t do it, you’re too nervous, then those things are much more likely come true. This happens because your mind is being trained to execute those actions based on your negative thoughts.
There are tons of sayings out there about putting out positive vibes and the universe will provide or even will it to happen. There is some truth to those!
When you start changing your language, you begin training your brain to execute better actions for better results.This may be more of a challenge for some of us than others, but the best part is we can all start today! Various studies have shown we choose our actions based on our beliefs. What I want to challenge you with is to start shifting your thoughts to more positive thoughts about presenting or speaking in public. This change in mindset will lead to a belief. Then your thoughts turn into to more conscious, confident actions and final execution.
Here’s how to start changing your attitude and language:
No more:“I just can’t remember names,” change it to, “I will remember at least half of the group’s names”
No more:“The product sells itself so it’s just easy,” where’s the confidence in yourself? Change to, “I put in extra effort to connect with that client for this product.”
No more:“I get too nervous to speak in front of others. What if I say something wrong or get a question I can’t answer?” Let’s improve to this: “I know my material because I made it! I’m not google but I can research anything I don’t know. They want me to win and I will do well!”
Positivity does come more natural for some than others but at the root of it all… It is still a choice we make.
As you prepare for your next big meeting or presentation, choose to be positive. Your choice in positivity will lead to your everyday improvement.
Should you want to dig deeper in conversation about challenging yourself to be more positive to increase your confidence, feel free to reach out to any one of us at iSpeak and you are most welcome to start with me!
My name is Todd Zwissler, Sr. Trainer at iSpeak, and I love the power…of positivity!
Pie and Coffee