"Don't play it safe - empower your audience, stimulate change in the mind of your listener…"

Would you benefit from presentation or media training?

If the answer to any of these questions is 'yes', you will definitely enjoy the benefits of increasing your communication and persuasive skills in one of Maggie Eyre's workshops or one-on-one coaching sessions.

Maggie's Top 5 Tips

1. Be Prepared

Winston Churchill estimated it took him six to eight hours to prepare a forty five minute speech. Serious speakers need to set aside at least forty five to sixty minutes of preparation time. I spend at least one to two full days preparing for a one hour speech, and once spent four days preparing for a major speech, including practicing with a friend to increase my confidence.

2. Share true stories that will change people's lives

Don't play it safe, empower your audience, stimulate change in the mind of your listener. Tell your own personal and professional story. If the audience can relate to your anecdotes, they feel less alone and may take away new strategies to help them deal with their problems. Start taking risks with the content of your speeches in front of non-threatening audiences.

3. Know your Environment

The place where you deliver your presentation plays a big part in determining whether your presentation will be successful. Your audience will be more open to your messages if you are at ease in your environment. If at all possible, become as familiar as you can with the room in which you will be delivering your ideas.

4. Believe in Yourself

Your audience will believe you if you show them you're confident and comfortable in front of them. T o appear confident you need to believe in yourself and what you are saying. Be positive. Affirm yourself use positive self-talk.

Tell yourself you are worth listening to, and enjoy the moment when the audience applauds.

5. Have Fun!

It's natural to feel afraid. You are wonderfully human and all you need is a confidence tool kit and lots of practice to build your self esteem. Like a top athlete, if you have prepared for your event and truly done your best - you have practiced on the track and run the race in your mind a thousand times, there is nothing left to do but take your place and enjoy the moment. And when you hear the applause and the audience has become your audience, you will be rearing to go again at your next speaking opportunity - it is addictive!