Be Your Authentic Self

"Imitation is the greatest form of flattery." Yes, and no.

A few years ago, a new marketing manager joined our team. To onboard, he and I went out to stores and had conversations to get to know each other. At the end of our time together, he said, “Christy, I have a question. I have really big shoes to fill and I’m new to this team. What do you think I should do?” I looked at him very thoughtfully. And I said, “Just do you. Just do you!”

Over the years, I have coached hundreds of people to become confident and dynamic presenters. One of the ways I encourage people to overcome their fear and nerves associated with public speaking is to be authentic.

 Look at people who are great presenters. Observe what they do well and consider the things you might want to incorporate into your own style. It is always good to study people and learn their techniques. I teach my clients the fundamentals. I teach them the techniques they should absolutely do and the things that are absolute "no no's". But at the end of the day, I want them to weave what I teach them into their natural style. It’s all about being authentic because the audience will sniff out a fraud in a hot minute. Bring your own energy and your own personality to the presentation.

It is so much easier to just do you than to try to do anybody else.