Part IX

Chapter 18: Confidence Is a Skill

Confidence isn’t simply something you have or don’t have. It can be developed. And competitive confidence doesn’t come from being certain that everything will go perfectly. It comes from knowing: “Whatever happens, I can handle it.” That is why practice should include uncomfortable situations. Practice:

• being interrupted;
• forgetting a sentence;
• losing your place;
• receiving a difficult question;
• being challenged on an assumption;
• speaking after another speaker makes a mistake.

The objective is not perfect performance. It is recovery.

The Recovery Cycle

FEEL THE FEAR à ACT ANYWAY à SURVIVE à REFLECT à IMPROVE à TRY AGAIN

This is one of the most valuable skills case competitions can teach.

Chapter 19: Don’t Memorise the Script

A word-for-word script can create problems. If you forget one sentence, you may lose your place. Instead, memorise:

• the structure;
•  the key messages;
• the transitions;
• the important numbers;
• the opening;
• the recommendation;
• the close.

Know what you want to say. Don’t memorise every word you will say.

The Three-Level Practice System

• Level 1: Content
  • Can you explain the idea?
• Level 2: Structure
  • Can you explain it in the right order?
• Level 3: Delivery
  • Can you communicate it clearly, confidently, and naturally?

Do not jump directly to delivery. You cannot polish a message you don’t understand.