Kate Cocker

Think of each speaking opportunity as a form of rehearsal. Each time you step up, you’re expanding your comfort zone and building confidence. When was the last time that you took the opportunity to speak, over sitting back and keeping quiet?

I love getting emails like this! My favourite part of training others on presentation skills is getting feedback like this. Have you got something important you’re trying to pitch to a client, or discuss with your colleagues, and need to have maximum impact?

Everyone gets nervous when they present – even people who do it all the time! The trick is to work with your nerves, rather than fight them. Here are four of many techniques for dealing with nerves. Do you get nervous when you present? What tips would you add to these?

Are you ready to change the way you feel about public speaking? My Speaker Fit: Communicating with Impact course is now open to you to sign up so you can access it at a time that really benefits you. Sign up here: thepresentercoach.co.uk/spea…

I have just launched a journal prompt series on Self Compassion via my podcast Everyday Positivity. It’s designed to help you cultivate compassion for yourself in times of stress and anxiety. If you think this will help you head to patreon.com/everydaypositivi… to find out more.

You can practise a talk until you’re blue in the face, but without self belief you may find it difficult to communicate with impact. Today’s tip on being a better communicator is simple; get into the habit of repeating the words ‘I love myself, I love myself…” in your head.

Everyone has an inner critic. Before every talk I do, it tells me that "this is going to be awful, so what’s the point?". But I fight through it and defend myself against the thoughts. I say “I can do this” and then I get a thrill from reading the feedback forms at the end.

In order to communicate in the best way possible, you have to feel good. So start with being kinder to yourself. Keep an eye out this coming week for some tips on tackling the inner voice and becoming a better communicator.

The result is exactly that – a mediocre, forgettable presentation.

Most of all, when you are putting yourself out there it is really easy to tell yourself that you aren’t good enough and that all you have to do is get through the presentation.

The radio presenter who thinks they will sound cheesy, or rude, the TV broadcaster who doesn’t think they can talk to their boss about the future because they won’t want to hear it.

I come across negative self talk all the time from my clients; the business owner who doesn’t think they can stand on a stage and tell their story.

What does your evil inner critic say? Can it be too quick to be hard on you? For some, it is louder than others. For me, it’s sometimes not even a voice, just a feeling that I can’t, or I shouldn’t, or I won’t be able to. Do you ever get this feeling too?

I truly believe that being a great communicator can change your world - including the way you talk to yourself.

I’d love to read your recommendations in the comments - what should I get next?

Atomic Habits - James Clear My. Bible. I read this every year. In fact, when it comes to habits I would go so far as to say - you only need this one book. It’s an exceptional guide to understanding, transforming and building your habits.

The Public Speaker’s Treasure Chest - Prochnow & Prochnow Jr. This is a fun one to go back to (and not an audiobook more a reference book). It’s been around for a long time, so some of it is outdated enough to raise a wry smile.

Brief: Make a Bigger Impact by Saying Less - Joseph McCormack Embrace the power of brevity and clarity. Read it if you want to make your point well with C-Suites and the Board.