Beating Back Doubts Before They Beat You Up

“Hey, get the hell off my property! Do you have a permit to solicit here?” The well known-YouTuber and solar sales agent took a few steps back. The homeowner he roused from the doorstep was irate and becoming belligerent. What followed was an assault of foul language and probably just a defense mechanism from a man who didn’t like door-to-door salesmen. The cameraman recording this video retreated along with the sales agent as the homeowner continued to advance in disapproval. Definitely an interesting and entertaining YouTube entry, but most importantly, a teaching tool! How to respond calmly and confidently in the face of adversity.

I’ve played the role of this sales agent, sans the YouTube clip. I’ve struggled to keep calm and maintain my composure under the verbal fire of angry homeowners. Fortunately, this kind of response at the door is rare. But it can derail even the most dedicated door-knockers or anyone else who lacks courage, experience and resolve. Preparation and practice are paramount to overcome external troubles AND internal forces. When presenting to an audience of many or one, you may encounter skepticism or even hostility or perhaps just your own internal demons. 

Can you remember a time when you needed to speak in public, but performance anxiety beat you up? Not a pleasant memory for most of us! The ability to find courage is the first step to beating back performance anxiety or facing a difficult audience. The next step is consistent practice to train your speaking muscles to work under various conditions including your own doubts or anxieties. The final step is building resolve to continue and not back down!