Have you ever gone to say something you know is going to be of great value to add to the conversation and your mind goes blank?
Or worse…it has that happened when you have been speaking in front of an audience?
If you have ever done this, you know how nerve-wracking it feels to have the entire audience staring at you for what seems like hours, (when it is likely just a few seconds), willing some words of wisdom to break through the panic.
Trust me…that can be a real problem if you don’t have a back-up plan.
So just what do you do when your mind goes blank?
- Firstly…Don’t panic
- Secondly…Breathe
- Thirdly…Smile
- And my favourite…cover it up by asking the audience to reiterate what you have just said and ask for comments on your last statement
- Or a good fall back…joke about having a ‘senior’ moment, a ‘blonde’ moment and again ask your audience to remind you what you had been speaking about.
All of these ideas give you time to consolidate your thoughts, get you back on track and importantly, regain your confidence. The fact is in most incidences your audience won’t notice the slip if you handle it well.
Forgetting your words can be embarrassing and looks unprofessional but I guarantee you feel worse than your audience. On most occasions, your audiences are supportive and patient and want you to do well.
Remember…
- Stay calm
- If you have demonstrated your knowledge, your audience won’t care.
- It isn’t life and death
Best wishes till next time.
Janeen
Author of “Good Girls do Sell – The Modern Business Woman’s Guide to Authentic Selling”
To work with Janeen, visit her calendar to arrange a Complimentary Clarity Call
