Does the thought of door knocking make you incredibly uncomfortable? So uncomfortable, that not even picturing your audience in their underwear would help? Let’s be honest, when would that really help anyone?
If you fall into this category, don’t fret…we’ve all been there. Public speaking and door knocking can be hard, but I assure you there are tricks you can use to make it better…tricks that don’t include picturing people in their underwear.
In this post, we’ll chat about some key things to remember when trying to enhance your public speaking and door knocking skills.
1. You aren’t forever cursed with bad public speaking skills
Remember that Public Speaking is something you can get better at. Just because right off the bat you aren’t the Sydney Crosby of public speaking, doesn’t mean it’s something you can’t obtain over time. These are skills that you can enhance, much like riding a bike or getting better at cooking. Take small steps toward your goal. Start with small presentations in front of your friends and family, or play a game of charades to get better at being put on the spot. Put the time and effort into making yourself a better speaker, and it’ll come with plenty of practice.
2. Don’t focus on yourself, focus on what you have to say
When you approach a leads door with a message, speech, or presentation focus on what you’re trying to communicate. Focus less on your appearance and demeanour. You might take yourself far too seriously, and to be honest, you aren’t that important. People are listening to what you have to say, and don’t care about your appearance, or if you stumble on a word or two. Before getting to the door, have a clear idea of the message, or questions you’re there to ask. Make sure you know what you’re talking about and be prepared. Thibaut Meurisse explains that “you’re simply a vehicle for your message. The vehicle isn’t important, the message is.” Make sure the message is clear, and you’ll stand in front of that door with confidence.
3. Learn how to be comfortable with silence
Why does silence get such a bad rep? There are days where I look for moments of silence just to have a few moments to myself. It’s important to remember that when you’re speaking to someone, silence doesn’t need to immediately insinuate negativity or awkwardness. People often say what they need to say so quickly due to a fear of silence. In doing so, often times the message can be lost, or not hold as much weight as you expected. To avoid this, learn how to accept silence, and not give it such a bad reputation. Own what you’re saying, and command the conversation. Being okay with silence will make you look far more confident in your speaking abilities.
4. Make sure you research
Look, I’ve been through years of education and realize that procrastination exists…but when it comes to your career, and making sure you’re building your brand in the best way possible…do your research. Make sure you show up to any conversation having some idea of what you’re going to say and who you’re going to say it to. Know your lead, do some research on who they are as an individual, and ask them engaging and appropriate questions. If you show up at someone’s door without a clue to why you’re there, chances are that door will close quickly on your face. Be knowledgeable and approach the conversations with insight in your message. Once you have that, people will listen to what you have to say.
5. Practice
I went from being a shy, nervous red-headed girl in elementary school – to commanding presentations in front of CEO’s and VP’s as an adult…(couldn’t quite shake the red hair). It took practice, and PLENTY of time to get this down pat. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I got up in front of a group of people and crumbled under the pressure. My voice would shake, hands would tremble, and I would forget everything I had to say. This happened once, twice, a little less the third time, and hardly at all come the fourth time. I knew I hated being in front of people and having the spotlight on me, but I also knew I was getting a little better each time. Knock on a few doors and know it’ll be scary at first. But also know that after the first few…it’ll get easier. Take the time to make these interactions something you excel at because it’s important in your industry and for your leads.
StreetText is all about initiating the conversation. Use these tricks to enhance your communication skills, and start seeing a stronger public speaker and door knocker in yourself. We’re passionate about conversations, but even more passionate about your story and success.
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