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?

A Jon Bon Jovi journal prompt From Everyday Positivity with @K8Cocker, available wherever you get podcasts. #Podcast

@JamesCridland @ImaginationTech Thanks James !

@K8Cocker These are very good. I use the same first few slides every time (stealing the idea from @ImaginationTech a long while ago); “nailing the start” is much easier when you know your first few slides, you have the possibility of a joke or two, and it just works.

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?

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?

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/speaker-fit

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/everydaypositi… 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.

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.

I love a good book. Usually via audiobook. I find sitting and reading challenging (I fall asleep!), but walking and listening means I get to consume books so they expand my knowledge, and challenge my thinking.