by Olivia Mitchell | 63 comments
I’m working on being bold – whether it’s in a one on one conversation or in a presentation. In the past, I’ve often watered down what I say to avoid upsetting anyone. And I’m not alone. Many of the people that I coach are concerned about being bold. As a result, they dilute their message so much that they have zero impact on their audience.
Cultivate an attitude of boldness
Being bold is not something that you can “pull out of a hat” when you’re giving a presentation or speech. You need to develop an attitude of speaking out in your day to day life. Otherwise you won’t develop the courage to be bold in your presentations. Practice saying what’s on your mind when you’re with just one other person or a small group.
I’ve found blogging to be extremely useful in helping me be bold. Some posts I’ve written have taken me some time to publish because of my fear, but having done so I’m bolder. Here are some thoughts to help you develop an attitude of boldness in everyday life.
1. Stop being nice
What stops me being bold is that I want to be liked, I want to be nice. I don’t want to have to deal with anyone being upset or offended by what I’ve said. It’s worked for me in many ways, but it holds me back too. I keep this quote on a post-it above my desk:
2. Saying what you think enhances your career
Do you hold back saying what you think because you want to make sure that everything you say makes perfect sense and is supported by evidence? Me too. But research shows that people who speak up more are seen as leaders. Now that makes sense, but here’s the topsy-turvy kicker – what they said didn’t have to be particularly brilliant or clever or original. So don’t worry about being perfect, just speak up.
3. Not saying what you think annoys people
I’ve sometimes held back on saying what I think fearing that it will upset people. Then the situation deteriorates and I end of saying what I think, only to be told “Why you didn’t tell me that earlier?”
4. Your ideas can help other people
Do you think your ideas are not worth sharing, that they’re obvious. Then watch this gorgeous, short video (H/T Rich Hopkins):
5. What’s the worst that can happen
Sometimes when I want to say something bold, I stay silent because I just imagine a nameless disaster. But if I think it through and ask myself “What’s the worst thing that could happen?” then I realise that the worst that will happen is that the person I’m speaking to might be upset for a day. Can I handle that? Yes, I can! And then often they don’t even get upset for five minutes. They just thank me for being straight! Often the consequences that we fear from being bold don’t materialise.
How to be bold in your presentations
Here are some tips for developing boldness in your presentations:
1. Ask your audience to take action
Just giving your audience information is the safe option. But what does it accomplish? Instead, answer this question:
“What do you want your audience to do with the information you’re giving them.”
Then use your presentation to persuade people to take that action.
For example, in my presentation on Kiva (see my Guide”How to make an Effective PowerPoint Presentation”) I could say to the audience:
“Lending money to poor people is an effective way of helping them.”
It would be interesting information, but I haven’t accomplished anything. Instead I say:
“Lend $25 to a poor person so they can start a business.”
2. Be provocative
In my research on learning styles I came across Frank Coffield, an academic challenging the prevailing mythology of learning styles in education. He said he was inspired by Karl Popper, who wrote in his autobiography:
‘My custom, whenever I am invited to speak in some place, of trying to develop some consequences of my views which I expect to be unacceptable to the particular audience. For I believe that there is only one excuse for a lecture: to challenge. It is the only way in which speech can be better than print’. (Unended Quest Open Court Publishing Company, 1976, p 124)
A friend said to me yesterday “If you don’t miss at least one plane a year, you’re arriving at the airport too early!” Now, I’m not going to change my habit of arriving at the airport in plenty of time, but I can see his point. Similarly, “If you’re not provoking at least one person in your audience, you’re being too nice.”
3. Imagine the friendliest audience
Imagine what you would dare to say if you knew that the audience were the friendliest most supportive bunch of people. That they’re already on your side. Now say that.
4. Express the main point of your presentation in one succinct sentence
If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know that I call this your Key Message. The work of crafting your point into a Key Message has you think through what you really want to say. If you allow yourself several sentences to express your point, you’re likely to have woven all sorts of qualifications and caveats. So don’t. Say it in one clear and succinct sentence.
5. Get rid of weasel words
Do you pepper your phrases with weasel words and phrases? Like “I’d just like to” or “sort of” or “kind of”. They reduce the power and boldness of your ideas. You may not know you’re doing this. So either record yourself and listen back, or ask a friend to give you feedback.
Stop holding back – be bold. You’ll get your message across, spread your ideas and enhance your career.
Fred E. Milleron May 22, 2011 at 11:14 pm
BOLD Post, Olivia.
I like it!
Being BOLD takes us out of our comfort zone. When we step out of our comfort zone we make it larger.For the novice, just speaking in front of a group is BOLD, and a start!
http://www.nosweatpublicspeaking.com/speaking-presenting-because/Thanks for the Post!
Maimuna Abubakar Abdullahion April 22, 2020 at 11:03 am
Thanks, I have gained a lot here.
Emmanuelon February 27, 2021 at 11:05 pm
Wow it actually what I was expecting. Thanks so much I can do exploits with this.
Oliviaon February 10, 2022 at 12:42 am
Thanks so much
Markon May 25, 2011 at 6:59 pm
Wow. BOLD! I have tried to being bold in some of my speeches, by using your tips like ‘asking audience to take action’, and ‘ask provocative question’. And i must say it really feels good after I did it.
And thanks Olivia for sharing more tips here! 🙂
Tony Ramoson May 26, 2011 at 3:06 am
As always, great stuff! This post also reminds me of a rather humorous find: http://twitpic.com/4xha23 Enjoy!
Olivia Mitchellon May 26, 2011 at 8:43 am
Hi Tony
That’s a great find! Having spent the first 20 years of my life in England I can totally relate!
Olivia
Laura Bergellson May 26, 2011 at 5:06 am
Hi Olivia:
As you might suspect, I possess a naturally bold personality!
Three times this month, I was asked to “be nice, be more diplomatic, and don’t say such provocative things.”
Those words are like catnip to me. Say them, and it’s 10 times more likely that I’m not going to comply!
Go ahead and be bold. Sure, you’ll get in trouble for it. And many people won’t like you.
But you’ll treasure those who do!
Olivia Mitchellon May 26, 2011 at 8:40 am
Hi Laura
Ha – yes I think I would have guessed that about you!
For those of us who are more cautious your point about treasuring those who do like you is great.
Your comment also reminds me of the saying “It’s easier to ask for forgiveness, than ask for permission.”
Olivia
Jeff Hurton May 27, 2011 at 6:08 am
It’s been my experience that audiences like speakers that have opinions and take a stand. They may not agree with the speaker. They may not like what the speaker said. However they appreciate the authenticity and frankness.
I am one that likes to challenge people’s point of view, especially entrenched traditional, that’s-the-way we’ve always done it perspectives. I find that being bold doesn’t mean you have to be rude. You can still be assertive, bold and provocative without doing harm to another.
Doraon January 26, 2022 at 12:46 am
Thanks, I hope for an improvement in me. I am very timid and avoid every opportunity to speak in public even when ask a question in a group. I really hope to overcome this nervous feeling.
John Zimmeron June 6, 2011 at 8:23 pm
Pithy and poignant, Olivia. Well done!
I hope that this post encourages your readers to push themselves in the direction of boldness, even if it feels uncomfortable. As Neale Donald Walsch said, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”
Cheers!
John
Olivia Mitchellon June 6, 2011 at 9:27 pm
Love the quote, John, thanks for adding it.
Olivia
Pamelaon December 26, 2011 at 3:42 am
Great quote, John. I’m going to make this part of my vision for 2012!
Delaon May 23, 2018 at 7:10 pm
Interesting… Love that quote
Helenon January 6, 2021 at 12:12 pm
I appreciate a lot! I know with this,my boldness will rise and never give up. Helen
Spiff Reineron July 17, 2021 at 2:59 pm
Thanks I love this
DelhiPlaneton June 25, 2011 at 9:03 pm
Great post, one of our writers actually used lesson number 1, “Trying to get everyone to like you is a sign of mediocrity” in a related post targeted at brands and how they should act bold and not please everyone.
This article can be read here http://is.gd/eXH34U
Cheers
Olivia Mitchellon June 26, 2011 at 1:02 pm
Yes, the principle is the same – whether you’re a brand or a person.
Marla Zemanekon September 30, 2011 at 6:41 pm
Excellent article with a wonderfully useful list of specific tips. I especially like #3 and 4 – not saying anything and your ideas help other people. We hear all too many speakers who drone on without getting to the point, but never taking a stand. In my workshops, I see this more with women, particularly as they secure their ideas with “I heard, they said…” Women are less likely to own their ideas. We should all remember that what we share can be anywhere on the spectrum from “a good reminder” to “life changing.” Personal stories, experiences and opinions make a presentation relevant and real. Great tip. Thanks for a great article!
Olivia Mitchellon October 1, 2011 at 12:10 pm
Thanks Marla, I’m glad you found the article useful. I find that even removing the words “I think…” or “I believe…” makes a stronger impression.
Olivia
S Kon March 16, 2012 at 4:00 am
Thanks for the article. This is extremely useful. But speaking is an art too. Just like speaking boldly can’t be pulled out of a hat so is speaking thoughtfully. Some people are so bold and dogmatic that they tend to sound offensive and destructive to other people’s confidence or self esteem either intentionally or unintentionally and they don’t even bother to care as to how many people they have disrespected in the process. But I think one should also give a thought before speaking because once we let words go out of our mouth we can’t take them back. Those who speak their ideas aloud might be seen as leaders but in course of time every smart person realizes if he/she is worth it or if the leader is just trying to show that he/she is the boss. It depends on each one’s way of thinking and what they value. At least I believe that speaking both thoughtfully and boldly is a more tougher and valued skill than just speaking bold.
Olivia Mitchellon March 21, 2012 at 5:50 pm
Hi S K
Thank you for adding your wisdom. I do agree that you can overdo being bold – as you can overdo any public speaking advice. There is always a balance.
I wrote this post for people who tend towards being thoughtful and possibly cautious, to encourage them to be bold.
The combination of being both thoughtful and bold as you suggest is a winner.
Olivia
Kaustubhon July 17, 2012 at 9:35 pm
Thanks a lot for this wonderful article…
naniepreshon July 28, 2021 at 4:14 am
very good
Samuel .Fon August 14, 2012 at 7:49 am
Inspiring! olivia.i have read your write ups and i find it quite inspiring.And i pray that i do well in that field.thanks alot.
Naresh Sankaron August 27, 2012 at 6:36 am
Hi Olivia ,
This is Naresh from bangloore. I read you post and hope it will be helpfull for me .Let me try the following points from now and mail the feedback.Note:This is my first time of commenting in web post like this.
Olivia Mitchellon August 27, 2012 at 10:06 am
Hi Naresh
Thank you for commenting and I wish you all the best in your presentations.
Oliviasagayamaryon June 8, 2018 at 6:46 pm
Hi , i want to be bold, but i very sensitive, always crying sill things,i want comeup in live specifically in my work place, before i was not like this , now days i getting very nervous, very modi , pls give suggestions i want to be bold
jackon August 29, 2012 at 7:39 pm
can u help me with my fear of speaking in class.i get extremely full of fear when i even think of speaking in class.i want to be bold in class
Ugo Mendes Donellion September 7, 2012 at 10:36 pm
Dear Olivia,
thank you for the useful post. It made me think about Robin William’s books on design. She teaches that contrast is very important. It makes stuff interesting and beautiful. Being bold is a way to give contrast to your message (N.B. not conflict). Maybe, being bold, makes the message intresting and beautiful.
So, here is her advice on how to achieve contrast: “Don’t be a wimp!” 🙂William David Lee Swaggeron November 15, 2012 at 8:18 am
Dear Olivia,
I love the points that you made, especially about fear of people not liking you. You should always be true to yourself and your beliefs in every aspect of being. Just because someone does not agree with you does not mean you have done anything wrong. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Whether your opinion is similar to theirs, differentiate from theirs, or changes theirs, you have completed a job well-done. As long as you get the audience thinking you have full-filled your role.
As an audience member of many speeches I notice that often times the speaker holds back from being bold because they actually fear how we will be affected by their views, and they fear negatively affecting the audience. Times like these I reflect on a quote from world-renowned spiritual activist Mirianne Williamson.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.’ We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? … Your playing small does not serve the world.”Thank you for sharing!
-William David Lee Swagger
Annuon September 4, 2019 at 6:50 am
Hi sir
Am not able to talk or being bold
Am really scared to make loud talk or talked for my right
Heatheron November 19, 2012 at 3:14 pm
Dear Olivia
I really enjoy’d reading your article. I myself get panic attacks easy. do you by chance have any advice for people who tend to freak out with public speaking because of prior experience. when I was a child I was traumatized when I was in a recital and it kind of stuck with me deeply. I’ve gone as far as going to karaoke places so as to expose myself to being seen. when I have to present a project for school I literally shake, I have whats called familiar tremors it doesn’t really effect my life until Im nervous it just makes it frustrating. any tips?Scott Smithon November 26, 2012 at 9:07 am
Olivia, What a great summary. From my years of consulting, I agree with all of them. However, I think the BOLD statement was bringing these together with a motivating call to action.
I’ll quote you often on this. Thank you.
shumailaon December 10, 2012 at 4:42 am
lehi olivia
let me try all these bolding points to make my presentation awsome as m thinking. m thankfull to provide us such a nice tips. my presentation is at 13 of december. gud luckSelenaon December 20, 2012 at 7:27 am
I am currently on a purposeful soul searching journey to permanantly liberate my voice. I relinquished my personal power as a child and couldn’t figure out why I was experiencing being trapped within myself. I just kept saying for all of these many years that “there is something wrong with me” Consequently, last night through much prayer, tears and agony I discovered that I never responded to insult, mocking, accussation, ridicule or punishment from those around me…I just took it and kept quiet ALL THESE YEARS! With that being said, I find this article so on target, educational and soothing. The responses and speech that you describe accurately display what I have been saying, thinking and doing. Thank you for blessing me with this valuable information. I’m on my way to Re-Learning to be BOLD! Thank you.
FREE TO SPEAK RESPONSIBLY BOLD!
Sanjayon December 31, 2012 at 6:03 pm
Hi Olivia,
Within no seconds , your words reflected my fear attitude in me, but it took minutes to express what i am trying to do it now. However i am very much grateful to you, that at last I started to express and I will not stop it here. I always talk to myself but never spill it out. Thanks for your words which have pushed me ahead, a bit, from where I used to stop always.zoyaon January 7, 2013 at 1:47 am
i m very shy person and i become nervous when my teacher ask me question then my teacher thought i m weak in study but i know that i m not weak in studies i m want to speak infront of him but i can’t so what i do to lose this shy character 🙁
Tammyon February 2, 2013 at 1:30 pm
we don’t lose shy characters overnight. It takes years of practice to speak freely for some people, like myself. I’m still learning. Don’t give up. The secret is keep trying and you will attract what you want.
Jayashree Venugopalaon February 5, 2013 at 12:50 am
Hi Olivia,
Many thanks for the great article that strikes a chord for many like me who are too soft/nice and dont speak when we need to. Being BOLD is a mantra that I will follow
Naseeb khanon July 5, 2013 at 3:25 am
hello… i am student of 1st year. i dont have boldness. i am soooo unbold. u cant belive how much unbold i m…. please tell me basic tips how to be bold….
Liveschoolnewson December 17, 2013 at 8:31 am
Thanks for this wonderful post. God bless you. Infact you have inspire me with your profound words. Keep it up. I have save this page for frequent reading
likelyon January 30, 2014 at 12:20 pm
WOW just what I was looking for. Came here by searching for concept
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Glance complicated to more brought agreeable from you!
By the way, how can we communicate?fitnesson March 15, 2014 at 10:43 am
Wonderful writeup sire, being bold is what all great people have in common, they always seems to know exactly what to do.
Johnon March 22, 2014 at 8:02 pm
This is good read. There is a another nice article that delves into the science behind stage fright. Once you understand the cause its easier to follow the solution – http://www.delhiplanet.com/index.php/2014/02/22/overcome-stage-fright-public-speaking-tips/.
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i have been a victim of not being able to express myself n private and public.its affecting so badly that i can even relate freely. sometimes, i summon courage to speak in public but my speech is unorganised n at d top of my voice.i wish i was born n raised in d US or UK
Ritesh Sharmaon April 12, 2018 at 5:46 pm
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Uzochion February 8, 2019 at 10:38 am
Good one
Brajon May 17, 2019 at 5:24 pm
Thanks Olivia
Cindyon November 21, 2019 at 2:46 pm
I was brought up with dear, this made me keep all my thoughts to myself. Not w I’ve been offered a telemarketing job and I find it so hard to speak to my clients boldly. I don’t think anyone can be as timid as I am
Cindyon November 21, 2019 at 2:48 pm
I was brought up with fear, this made me keep all my thoughts to myself. Not w I’ve been offered a telemarketing job and I find it so hard to speak to my clients boldly. I don’t think anyone can be as timid as I am
Bibhushaon May 12, 2020 at 3:52 pm
I could relate so many things. It was really helpful . I feel like I have a new courage to move ahead . Thank you so much .
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Bentley Boyon May 17, 2022 at 5:06 am
Hi Olivia, this is a nice article, all my life I’ve always lived in fear of not knowing how to express myself, I find it really hard to be bold when it’s time to talk or say what’s really on my mind, with there fear of what would the person I’m talking to think about what I want to say, I also find it really hard to tell people what they have done wrong to me instead of telling them what they have done I will just walk away….
Vitoron September 18, 2022 at 9:25 am
Fantastic
Janeon January 8, 2024 at 11:47 pm
I’ve personally found that doing more generally “bold” moves made me speech much more open and helped a lot. Started doing some mountain climbing, going for skiing this season(just got my Head Skis from https://gritroutdoors.com/head/ delivered 😀 ). Try new things, those tend to help you open up!
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