Page 185 - How To Sell Yourself

184 How to Sell Yourself
Have confidence in your preparation, your style, and your speaking skills
Fear is your worst enemy. Practicing and using all the speak- ing skills we have talked about will help you convert crippling fear into energy-producing confidence.
Organize your material
Give your audience the benefit of forethought—prepare. They deserve it. Decide what method of preparation works best for you: outline, notes, or manuscript. Take the time to do it right.
Practice aloud
Use recorders, friends, colleagues, a mirror, or a videorecorder if it’s available. It will help you monitor yourself to make sure you’re using the techniques you’ve learned here and to give a dy- namite presentation.
Use your text properly
Prepare the words on the paper, using large type and wide margins. Get rid of paper clips and staples. Put your pages in the right order before you get to your feet.
Use simple language
Don’t obfuscate. Don’t prevaricate. Don’t even prioritize in front of a group.
Use short sentences
Ideas with few words are memorable. They’re clear and un- derstandable. Nobody likes a windbag.
Be concise
If you can say it in five words, obviously you shouldn’t use 50. Some sentences that can’t be improved on are “I love you,” “They