MAKE IT LOOK EFFORTLESS 193
part of the process of being a leader.” With this one response,
the CEO deflected his competitor’s comments and reframed the
issue to focus on his company’s leadership.
When former secretary of state Henry Kissinger was asked
how he handled media questions, he said, “What questions do
you have for my answers?” He had his answers already prepared.
The media is a tough audience, and these days so are your cus-
tomers. Don’t let uncomfortable questions throw you off your
game.
Best Antidote to Nerves
Relentless preparation is the single best way to overcome stage
fright: know what you’re going to say, when you’re going to
say it, and how you’re going to say it. Too many people focus
inward during their presentations, creating even more anxiety
for themselves. They’ll ask themselves, “Is my shirt wrinkled?
What is that person in the third row thinking?” In other words,
it’s all about you. Instead, go from “me” to “we.” Shift the focus
to what your product or service means to the lives of your lis-
teners, and be confident in your preparation. I have worked
with several executives who are worth millions (in some cases,
billions) of dollars. Guess what? They get nervous speaking in
front of groups. Funny thing about nerves, though—the more
you practice, the less nervous you will be.
I know a world-famous business leader who gets very ner-
vous before major presentations. He gets over it by preparing to
the extreme. He knows the content on every slide and exactly
what he is going to say. He arrives early to the venue so that he
can test the audio and projector and advance through his slides.
This particular executive even knows where the lights are in the
room, so he is never in shadow. That’s preparation! He might
get nervous, but his routine makes him feel much more confi-
dent, and he is considered one of the best speakers in corporate
America.
Golfer Vijay Singh hits thousands of balls a day to prepare
for a tournament. Olympic gold-medal winner Michael Phelps