Develop confidence dealing with new situations
Does the thought of walking into a room full of people you don’t know horrify you ?You’re not alone. Here are some methods that have helped us overcome such fears. Remember, everyone you meet is another human being as well; they have their own fears to deal with and they may very well be the same as yours.
Practicing Some Opening Lines
Before you attend an event, start practicing some opening lines in front of your mirror; maybe even have your friends or family help you until it’s perfected.
Develop your “elevator speech” – a 30 second pitch that explains what you or your company is all about. Keep it as short and concise as possible.
Volunteering
An excellent way to network at a conference or event is to volunteer, ideally at the registration desk. You will get to greet everyone who registers in your line so that later at the event you can feel more comfortable talking to these people as you’ve already “met” and who will recognize you.
When you join a new group or sign up for an event, ask the organizers what volunteer opportunities are available. You don’t need to take on something big. Choose a task based upon your skills or something that can help you market your business.
Teaching a Class
If you teach a class, conduct a seminar or even train a group of people at your local sports club – make sure you arrive early to get a feel for the venue and to allow you enough time to be comfortable. Also, you get to greet every attendee and this helps break the ice. If applicable, prepare nametags since being able to address each individual by name helps bridging the gap.
Arrange a Meeting
When planning to attend a meeting or event, call up the person beforehand and confirm the event or arrange to meet at the event. This gives you someone you “know” and can look up when you arrive.
These are just some ways to build your confidence when dealing with people in new situations. Try and identify other ways to build your confidence.
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