Can’t seem to get ahead? If you’ve been saving presentation coaching for a later date…well, it’s a lot like the classic saying about making foolish decisions. Much like saving sex for old age. Warren Buffett, the canny investor, is credited with the original quote: “You can’t keep money around forever…it’s like saving sex for your old age.”

The same could be said for saving working with a presentation coach. Here’s why: if you wait too long, you will miss out. You’ll miss all the chances new skills would bring you. You will miss out on promotions, business deals and new career options. The sad truth. You’ll get stuck in the sidelines. You won’t get noticed.

Like the other all-important act, presenting is just too fun to skip. If you push it off into a corner, you may not find opportunity again. It could be too late. In many professional settings a lot of people make this fatal mistake. The main losers are smart people who should be winners.

This includes scientists, researchers and subject matter experts with advanced degrees. They assert that all they need to get ahead is the credibility from a MBA, PhD or M.D. or other advanced degree. Many brilliant subject matter experts make this foolish mistake. They think that their data-stuffed presentations are hitting the mark. After all, they have anecdotal evidence to support this impression. Everyone tells them they have good presentation skills. That’s the polite feedback they get face-to-face.

Coworkers, clients and audiences listen attentively and nod with understanding. It appears to the subject matter expert as if everything is on track and working like a charm. But if you have ever thought that your data and degree are doing the trick, don’t kid yourself. After the presentation is over…after the projector is turned off, what are people saying in the truth serum halls of the local pub?

“Could you believe that guy?! I didn’t understand a word he said.”

“What the heck was that presentation about? I thought it was supposed to simplify things but I just got more confused.

“Isn’t there a presentation police? That guy deserves a ticket!”

Maybe people are polite enough (or scared enough) to not speak the truth. Not directly to your face. But if you were a fly on the wall listening after hours, you’d hear the truth. Haven’t you watched a presentation, taken notes, and even applauded…only to go on and say things like this to your buddies? My guess is you have!

By the way, this kind of incomplete feedback is likely to happen with your boss. He or she won’t tell you the candid truth. Your boss is too aware of the dangers of lawsuits to mention difficult aspects of presenting.

What are the things your boss might not be talking about?

Tough topics such as a shrill voice, poor posture, lack of confidence, and distracting gestures. They will not give you direct feedback because they don’t want to risk a discrimination case. There’s a very real danger here. Small body language habits and seemingly innocuous speech patterns will wreck your career. These habits and keep you locked in a dead-end position. That’s exactly why getting personalized coaching is not a ‘nice-to-have.’ It’s a must-have.

Do not wait. The smart way to get ahead is to learn new skills and get personal feedback. Sign up for a presentation skills course. Work with a professional advisor. Tackle presentation issues with experts who can help you succeed.

Discover how to give passionate presentations that boost your career. Get people to buy-in to your ideas, proposals and recommendations. For instant video access to learn how this works, visit: http://www.presentationstoryboarding.com

Speaking in public is truly scary for many people. I get it. What I don’t get, though, is how truly terrifying (even paralyzing) it can be for millions of people around the world. Take a minute and look up the word “glossophobia”–severe fear of public speaking.

How Does Fear Show Up?

Those who suffer from this say that when speaking (or even at the thought of speaking in front of a group) they experience:

• Their mouth dries up

• Their voice begins shaking uncontrollably

• Their body begins trembling

• They begin sweating, shaking and feeling their heart racing

We’ve all heard that public speaking is the number one fear of people everywhere (above the fear of dying). Seinfeld even commented on this in one of his episodes where he said something like, “If that’s true then most people would rather be in the casket than giving the eulogy!”

Why is presenting to a group utterly terrifying for some? In seminars, university classes and individual coaching sessions I ask people to explain exactly what scares them the most about public speaking.

Why Be Afraid?

Here are just some of the most common confessions:

• I’ll sound like I don’t know what I’m talking about

• I’ll look stupid

• I won’t be able to answer questions

• I’ll freeze up and forget what I’m supposed to say

• I’ll be boring

For a great little (fictional) view of what this looks like, take a look at Don Knotts in the classic movie: Ghost and Mr. Chicken.

Easy-To-Use Tips and Techniques

While there’s no magic cure for this very real fear, some simple steps can greatly diminish the trauma. Here are just a few tips to begin minimizing the fear and begin a journey where a person (or you) might even learn to enjoy public speaking:

1. Visualize success. Great athletes use this technique to imagine a perfect performance. Try this when preparing for your next presentation. Imagine a flawless presentation, “see” the audience completely engaged in your message… they’re smiling, nodding and enjoying your message!

2. Quiet your mind. Stop the chatter–especially the negative self-talk. Take deep breaths. Try simple meditation techniques to help you focus on your message.

3. Know your audience. Be sure to know as much as you can about who they are, what they already know about your topic and why they’ll be attending.

4. Be the expert! Nothing can boost your confidence like knowing your stuff! Do your homework. Research your topic and be fully prepared.

5. Practice, practice, practice. After you finish practicing, practice some more! Practice out loud, standing (if that’s your setting) and go through your presentation in its entirety.

6. Watch yourself on video. It’s easy to hit the record button on you smart phone or tablet. Be sure to take advantage of this easy technology so you’ll see yourself–what you like, what you don’t like and what you can work on… immediately.

7. Work with a coach, take a class, study presentation skills. If you want to boost your confidence with a skill that will be required throughout your career, consider finding a resource to help you get better fast.

Most of all, enjoy the journey. I promise you with effort, courage and hard work you will be amazed at how you can improve.

Using presentation folders for a more professional look in the business world can do amazing things for a business. Presenting something to a client that looks professional and organized will speak volumns about the business before the folder is even opened. Taking advantage of the many options of presentation folders allows almost any business, of any size and budget, to use presetnation folders to take their business to the next level.

The look that presentation folders bring to the table can mean everything to a business and a client. Materials that are presented in a neat, professional manner will grab the attention of the client and give them a sense that the business has their stuff together and really knows what they are doing. It is the first impression made on a client and speaks for the business before anything or anyone else does. What is inside can be truly ground breaking, but if it isn’t presented wisely the client’s attention can be lessened. Overall the look of a presentation folder says the business really cares about their work and wants to put forward a professional image.

Some other great perks of presentation folders is that they can be made to a businesses specifications. Customized with a logo or company name, so the work is immediately recognized. They are also a nice way to put everything together so it is easy to carry and look through. The client will have everything right there without having to flip through handouts or review notes. Most folders also have a place for a busines card, as well for additional convenience.

Since presentation folders can be customized they are easy to buy in bulk. This cuts down on costs and allows them to be used for a variety of needs, from employee handouts to business meetings. A little custom printing and the folder goes from a office supply to a business tool. Customization can be done to add the business name or logo to the folder, add a title or other information to the cover or even change the binding on the folder. Buying in bulk then customizing as needed cuts down the cost emensely.

Presentation folders are a great business asset. They have many advatages and so many uses that they are a must have for nay buisiness that wants to advance. They are also a cost effective way to get a professional, polished look. Using presentation folders can help a business rise above competitiors and make an image for themselves.