Some of the most successful speakers in the world happen to be friends of mine. I’ve studied their presentation skill for years. You likely have as well if desiring to expand your reach as a professional speaker. Yet, it’s not charisma, wisdom, or energy that moves someone into the big leagues. It turns out, the most crucial aspect of one’s success has to do with what you unconsciously believe about yourself.
Imagine your mind is like a smartphone. Smartphones are portable computers that operate apps (software applications). Your smartphone also has an operating system (OS) running in the background that makes it possible for all the apps to run correctly. Occasionally, computers get infected with malware (software viruses) that cause programs to run poorly or stop working altogether.
Your mind also has an operating system and “mind apps” (beliefs) that influence how focused, productive, relentless, and successful you become as a speaker. Your OS can also become infected with malware (mind viruses) that negatively impact one’s abilities, regardless of your talent. For speakers, it can manifest as uncertainty, fear of cold calling, imposter syndrome, arrogance, and a lack of self-belief. You can improve your outline and stories, use affirmations, and take all the courses. But if you do not remove the malware from your OS, those helpful activities won’t be able to produce the positive outcomes that they could.
I’ve been upgrading human software and using my One Belief Away Method to eliminate harmful malware for 26 years. After facilitating over 15,000 individual sessions, I noticed the same malware emerging for speakers. Fears of not being good enough, having audiences reject them, and proving themselves by becoming a star were common saboteurs.
Once we identified and removed the malware, clients reported significant improvements in confidence, focus, follow-through, and inner security, allowing them to make it about their audience rather than themselves. If you are experiencing these symptoms, I highly recommend using the One Belief Away Method as anti-virus software for your mind. You’ve got what it takes. You may just need an OS update!
Start feeling confident as a public speaker today with Tim’s Speaking With Ease virtual mind-training program. You’ll get instant access to his unique system that trains your mind to feel calm, confident, and empowered presenting in front of small or large groups.
Tim Shurr, MA, is an unconscious beliefs specialist, award-winning speaker, author of six books including, One Belief Away, and host of the popular podcast, How To Be Mesmerizing!