Page 99 - Today’s Business Communication; A How-to Guide for the Modern Professional

88 TODAY’S BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

Fear
Fear is a funny thing. A little bit can keep you alert and reactive when
faced with danger. A lot can paralyze you and prevent you from respond-
ing when faced with danger. Overcoming anxiety and fear of presen-
tations is as simple as rehearse, rehearse, rehearse until you know the
material like you know the actors’ names in a favorite movie. Remember
that fear can create a self-fulfilling prophecy. Are you one of those peo-
ple who say, “I’m just no good at public speaking?” Although some of us
may be better than others, public speaking skills can be honed through
practice. If you allow your fear to keep you from delivering presenta-
tions, you won’t develop the skills, and you will never be good at public
speaking. In a world of happy psychology, there is still something to be
said about preparing for the worst. Let your fear guide you to being as
prepared as possible.
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Poor Preparation

This cause and the one that follows are tied inextricably together. The
failure to conduct your audience research, to learn your material, and to
plan how best to deliver a memorable and compelling presentation are all
part of poor preparation. Rehearsal is critical.

Sloth

The animal sloth is kind of cute and the beautiful actress Kristen Bell is
obsessed with them. You don’t believe us? Google it. Seriously. Sloth in a
human, though, means that person is lazy. Don’t be a sloth. Kristen would
disapprove. Good presentations are the result of hard work.

Lack of Imagination

This book contains many stories because anecdotes help us to learn, help
us to personalize material, and help others to remember what we want
them to know. You do not have to be an artistic genius to be imaginative.
Think through your memories, talk to friends and family members, look