It is wonderful to pull off a presentation that produces the desired result. I am a strong advocate of celebrating successes because it reinforces our self-belief and helps to “groove” winning behaviour. But it is important not to lose one’s head. No one has “arrived” after just one victory. The true test of a champion is that they can repeat their performance over and over again. It is vital to develop the skills to win consistently, over and over again!
So maintain perspective and humility. A great presentation does not automatically mean that the next one will be fabulous. With a different audience, a different place and different needs, you’ll have to do it all over again. The saying “you are only as good as your last presentation” isn’t a cliché for nothing.
By the same token, we should also understand rejection and develop an ability to put it into perspective. We do not fail because we are useless – we fail because we still have lessons to learn. The argument “I’m no good at public speaking” is almost always based on false information, ignorance and poor attitude. Literally anyone who can hold a conversation can learn to speak well in public. It just takes some of us longer than others. As a student of effective public speaking skills you will also find out very quickly that only those who apply themselves become really good at it!
So it is advisable to take the setbacks in one’s stride. Of course, this takes courage too.
I once watched as a life insurance salesman took the stage at his company’s annual sales convention to accept the prize as man of the year, beating more than 900 other salesmen to the award. As he clutched his trophy in his arms he announced to the spellbound audience that he was, in fact, a failure. “In reality,” he went on, “I’m the biggest failure of all of you here tonight. You see, I knocked on many more doors than any of you did this year. I don’t think any of you could possibly have had as many doors slammed in your face as I did. I don’t think any of you heard nearly as many no’s as I did. But that’s why I’m holding this trophy tonight and you’re not – because I was prepared to take the rejection. I learnt long ago that every ‘no’ I get takes me one step closer to my next ‘yes’.”
His colleagues gave him a standing ovation.
Paul du Toit, Certified Speaking Professional and author of “Even YOU Can Present with Confidence” (Congruence)
