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