Self-confident communication can be learned. Even if you’d rather swim with sharks than get up to speak, you can learn to deliver a well-received presentation with complete confidence. The key to a self-confident presentation is preparation - preparation equals confidence.

A couple years back I saw a study stating that out of the 1,000 business executives interviewed, 96 percent had some anxiety about speaking in public. So if doing presentations make you uncomfortable, you are in good company. Preparation can and will reduce the anxiety level. Preparation can also calm nerves and unleash your creativity.

Great communication is honest, logical and heartfelt. Preparation for any type of presentation means transferring the message from your mind and heart into something that interests the listener, holds their attention and encourages them to take action.

Business presentations (and even personal conversations) should be able to answer four main questions and from these answers your presentation will begin to take shape:
1. What does my listener want to learn from me?
2. What’s the most important thing I want to share?
3. Why should they trust me and listen to my message?
4. What action do I want them take at the end of my message?

This simple formula will help you to create the “meat” of your presentation. Placing yourself in the shoes of the listener will help to establish rapport and credibility with your audience.

How else can you prepare?
Rehearse, rehearse and rehearse.

* Write your main points on cards and rehearse reading them out loud. How do you sound? Is your message and presentation passionate? Are you enthused? Do you sound professional and confident? Does your voice sound natural? Are you using inflections in your voice so you aren’t monotone?

* Rehearse your presentation in front of a mirror. How's your body language? Do you look relaxed and confident? Are you using natural facial expressions? Do you look like you’re enjoying yourself? Do you use your hands too much or not enough?

* Make a recording of your voice. How do you sound? Listen to your enunciation and diction. Are you speaking clearly? Are you nervous and may be speaking too fast? Does your voice sound too high or too soft? How many “ah’s” or long pauses do you hear? Do you use slang or technical words that other people may not understand or appreciate?

* Rehearsing in front of the mirror is important but getting out and actually meeting and speaking to people is also important. Join a local Toastmaster’s organization where you can gain valuable experience and make new friends. If you belong to organizations and networking groups, volunteer to speak.

Remember that preparation equals confidence and action equals competence.

Be yourself, relax and have fun. With at home rehearsals and out in public practice, you’ll soon be sounding and acting like a confident presentation “pro.”

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