It doesn’t matter who you are as a seller or a buyer. We are all beholden to basic human listening behaviors. No innovation or artificial intelligence breakthrough will allow you to leap over this truth. Your best strategy for 2020 is to recognize these behaviors and leverage them to your advantage. My twelve years of speech coaching have shown me there are three key action steps to getting your message across the right way.

We all know when we see or hear someone who exudes “executive presence.” It’s not just that they exemplify good grooming or fashion sense, or even that they have highly developed intelligence or street smarts. More than that, their executive presence comes from a sense of confidence and clarity of thought. Others recognize the quality in the way the person walks and talks. It’s a kind of controlled forward momentum.

Business presentations carry hidden traps that, with adequate preparation, can be anticipated and overcome. The good news is that, unlike many business situations that demand public speaking, such as interviews, meetings and networking, a formal presentation allows you complete control and plenty of time to prepare. But it also carries the most responsibility and the highest expectations. You’re not only responsible for setting the tone for the presentation, but you’re expected to be an expert on the subject. The biggest presentation challenges demand that you refine your message and exude a professional presence. Use these prep tips to create a winning presentation.

Most people shutter at the sound of the words, “public speaking”. There are countless stories of the metaphoric death by embarrassment, or at least an acknowledgment of discomfort and avoidance at all cost. What is it that causes this universal feeling of dread? Why do we get so nervous at the thought of public speaking? Is it just in our heads? Well… yes and no.