What People Fear More Than Going To The Dentist

As I clenched the arms of the dentist chair, I plotted my response.

I knew my dentist was once again going to ask me 'the question'. When was I going to come in for a new crown on my tooth that was in dire need of repair?

And yes, he did ask me. Again. Ugh!

So, I delicately informed my dentist (who is a terrific guy) that I absolutely dreaded coming to his office. I mean really, who looks forward to that? I can think of a million other things I would rather do than get that crown.

And then my dentist asked me a question I didn’t expect.

He said, “Sally, don’t you do a lot of presenting and speaking? I excitedly responded, “Yes! I do. I LOVE it.” Then he told me that actually, many more people fear speaking in public than going to the dentist. 

And just last week, after one in-person and two virtual speaking engagements, I was reminded that many people do have that fear as several people asked me what the secret is to becoming a confident and successful presenter.

It’s actually a combination of several key components that forms the “secret”. One of those components is creating presentations from the audience's perspective, rather than their own perspective.

Whether someone's presenting to hundreds of people on a virtual conference or presenting a proposal to one person on a multi-million dollar deal, approaching the presentation from the audience’s perspective is essential.

That’s why when I’m coaching people, we don’t start at the beginning of their presentation. We start at the end of their presentation and re-engineer it for the success they desire, based on their audience’s perspective.

So, I have a question for you. If you could have a private conversation with me, what two questions would you like to ask me about creating and delivering successful virtual (or in-person) presentations?