The Planks of Confidence Planks of Confidence l

The Planks of Confidence

Planks of Confidence l l l Content Organization Notes Friendliness Impression l l l Dedication Empathy Newness Conviction Enthusiasm

Content Something to say l Relevance l Evidence, not just emotion l

Organization An outline l Main idea l Strong intro l No scatterbrains or spur of the moment l

Notes Jot down ideas l Can’t be a substitute for preparation l Use key words to jog the memory l

Friendliness Be congenial l Be likeable l Helps in case you mess up l Smile l

Impression Off to a good start l Convey a positive attitude l Common sense and appropriate judgment l Draw positive attention l

Dedication Practice, practice l Hear yourself before you give the speech to the class l Be professional l

Empathy Know how it feels to feel that way l Climb into their skin and walk around l Establish common ground l

Newness Be original l Try a personal story l Rediscover stories you’ve told in the past l

Conviction Believe in what you say! l Know your principles and stand by them. l Best way to persuade l

Enthusiasm Get fired up! l Need energy l Show it intellectually and physically l It is directed energy l

Lincoln Abraham Lincoln was asked how he would cut down a tree if given 8 hours to do so. He replied he would sharpen his blade for 7 hours so that he could easily cut down the tree in one hour. l In other words, he would spend his time preparing to make his job easier. l