The worst thing that can happen to you as a trainer, presenter, leader or facilitator is that you do not get your message, your information or your service out to the world.
Why? Two reasons:
First because the world will not have the opportunity to better their lives through what you offer. Second is that you will not gain the wealth, resources and accolades you deserve for what you could potentially give them.
And that would only happen if you succumb to one of the core fears most would-be-presenters, and even pro’s have. It’s the fear of public embarrassment which can show up by: being made to look like a fool in front of others, being embarrassed publicly because someone wants to push back or give you grief because they don’t agree with what you’re saying, or because they are simply being a bit of a butt-head.
This is called “The Heat” and you need to know how to handle this heat properly and not bend beneath it. This fear alone keeps numerous people from presenting or doing any kind of public speaking on line or off line.
There are a few things you’re going to want to remember. One of which is to not avoid the heat. If you’re prepared for it, chances are it won’t actually show up. If you’re not prepared for it, if you’re acting a little bit arrogant and full of yourself it may show up. Especially if you’re pushing the envelope on your opinion rather than giving facts. Don’t worry this will be addressed later in this series.
If a participant is getting aggressive with a question or complaint don’t avoid it. Don’t say that you will address it offline or in a side conversation or that you won’t be handling it right then and there. All that is going to do is kill your credibility in front of everybody. It’s going to make the antagonist even more upset and your presentation will go down in a fiery crash…which you don’t want. Believe it or not, in this instance you have the opportunity to be a hero. (and to even turn the “enemy” into an “allie”.
There are some clear steps you can take to navigate this kind of heat. I will warn you that it takes a bit of practice. Check out my video on YouTube and I will step you through it. You see, when you assume a position on the zoom, on the camera, in front of any group….you are now a leader whether you like it or not. Having coached thousands of people to create magic with groups of all sizes, I can tell you that the “way” you show up to present and the “way” you operate in front of a group is more important than whatever information you are delivering to them. Never doubt that.
You can click the link below to watch the Video in full for more information.
