Q4 • 2022


09


refrigerated watercooler,’ you might ask, ‘What would a refrigerated watercooler do for morale between meetings?’” If the thought of networking in lobbies or ballrooms at industry events sends you to your hotel roohotel room cowering under the covers, it might be that you’re


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that you’re simply taking the wrong mindset into these opp eate


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these opportunities. Taking a networking approach creates an awkward, uncomfortable environment, and others will pick up on your “salesy” vibe. Start by being confident in who you are and be yourself, which is what leads to real human connection. “The fact is, people, including you, want to work with and do business with people they like,” Gregg Fasbinder says. “So go there with the mindset of just making friends. It takes the pressure off; you’ll have more fun and likely come away with more unexpected connections.”


You might even go to the event with a stock of


relatable stories about your clients or colleagues stashed away in your mind, using them when they are relevant to the conversation as a way to give a pitch without your listeners knowing. “The story will get people invested, and the backdrop of your business may get them curious,” he says. Whether you’re talking to one person or one million, understanding your audience is crucial to delivering a message that can be quickly digested. Do your research up front so you can be sure you’re saying something of value to your audience, whose time is precious. “If you go in knowing you’re enriching your audience’s life, that kind of excitement leads to passion, which leads to engagement,” Fasbinder says. Regardless of the situation, take comfort in


the fact that every speaker takes some level of fear to the stage. Good speakers just know how to keep it in check or “fool” it into being part of the show. Fia Fasbinder firmly believes that an average speaker who can manage their fear will perform better than a very capable speaker who is squashed by stage fright in front of a crowd. “Public speaking is a skill, and it can be learned, so leave that ‘natural gift’ myth in the ground,” Fasbinder says. “Show me a ‘natural’ public speaker and I’ll show you someone that knows how to diminish or disguise any fear they’re experiencing.” 


Why Storytelling Matters . . . and “Shyness” Does Not By Fia Fasbinder


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The human brain is hardwired for stories, so to become a good presenter, storytelling is non-negotiable. It’s like an unlocked back door installed in every mind. If you


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want to reach anyone and everyone, you will become the best storyteller you can be. A story is an excellent way to bring


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something flat, such as data or facts, to life and infuse it with the emotion it needs. So, naturally, being a great storyteller ensures you’ll tell it with enough emotion and passion that it will make an impact on your audience.


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The good news is that, whether you believe it or not, you already do this at various moments in your everyday life. Everyone finds themselves in moments where they are already good presenters, speakers, and storytellers. They just don’t notice it. When you talk to your friends, chat with several of your colleagues at once, or share a story about something, you’re already doing what you would be doing in front of an audience. The core function of presenting is the same, just with a few more rules of engagement. If you can do it in your everyday life, you can do it in a presentation.


If you are a “shy” person who thinks they can never be a confident presenter, know that we’ve taught literally thousands of people who described themselves in the same way. It’s a beautiful moment when our coaches see someone begin to believe in themselves and come out of their shell.You likely won’t


believe in yourself to start, but as long as you believe it’s possible, you will succeed.


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