Dana Dorris

03

TEXT BOX

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 8

KBA Luncheon

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Recreation Center at Adams Park 2737 Watts Drive Speaker is Ernest Davis. Sponsored by Prestigious Cleaning Team.

March 15

Alive After Five

TEXT BOX5:30-7:30 p.m. Copeland’s of New Orleans Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet 1142 Barrett Parkwaydolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud

03

March 18

SUPER Women’s Luncheon

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Copeland’s of New Orleans 1142 Barrett Parkway

March 29

Wake Up KBA

8-9 a.m. High Caliber Realty 1050 Shiloh Road NW

Fifth Tuesday Luncheon

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Copeland’s of New Orleans 1142 Barrett Parkway

Join the KBA by visiting www.kennesawbusiness.org.

3 Steps to Boost 02 Public Speaking Skills Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet TEXT BOX dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad TEXT BOXBY DANA DORRIS minim veniam, quis nostrud

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud 02

TEXT BOX TEXT BOX Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud

Great leaders always seem to have the “it” factor. They look the part, have extra swagger, and seem to be completely comfortable when speaking in front of a crowd. I always have heard that public speaking is the No. 1 fear for most people, even more than death. So, what is the secret ingredient? I believe it is preparation and practice.

I once held a sales leader position, where a small part of my role was to train insurance agents in a classroom setting, on a rotational basis with other leaders. Even though I knew the content, my stomach sank when I saw my name on the list, and I would dread my week coming around on the schedule. I gave it considerable thought, and decided if I was going to improve my skills, and get better and more comfortable with presenting, I needed to do it more often. I took a brave step and 04 asked to be put on the schedule as much as possible. I needed practice. We’ve always heard that practice makes perfect. I am not sure if that necessarily is true, but I do believe that practice builds confidence, reduces anxiety and assists in delivering a successful presentation. In fact, I’ve read that those who spend quality time in preparation are the ones who can be more spontaneous during presentations.

Over the years, I have found three simple steps that help boost my confidence in public speaking: 1. Rehearse. Take time to rehearse out loud and, if possible, in front of a mirror. It is important to take the extra time and energy to rehearse out loud, and not just review your presentation in your head. 2. Record yourself. Seeing yourself speaking can be an eyeopening experience. If video is unavailable, simply listening to yourself through an audio recording will help you adjust your energy, voice inflection and pace. 3. Use a focus group. My family is usually my focus group to test my content. However, when I have an important project, I choose subject matter experts to listen in, and ask for their feedback. With technology platforms, such as Zoom, you easily can accomplish this.

A very wise woman (my mother-in-law) once told me to have the grace of a swan, even if I am paddling like crazy underneath the surface. You still might get nervous when you have a public speaking engagement, but making your communication style a priority will help ease the tension, and allow you to project confidence when you are speaking in front of a crowd. I am willing to bet that, if you ask any of your favorite public speakers how they get ready for a big event, their secret ingredient will be their preparation. Just remember, even if they seem poised and confident, they probably are paddling like crazy underneath the surface.

02

TEXT BOX Dana Dorris is the first two-time female president of the Kennesaw Business Association. She is an independent Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing insurance agent. elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud