The first time I stood up to read my writing as a student, more than 30 years ago, I opened with a disclaimer, "This is only a rough draft..." Our teacher stopped me and said to the entire class:
Never belittle what you are about to say.
I do my best to live by this. And yet, it's easy to succumb to the urge to soften or disqualify yourself before you speak. Disclaimers sound like this:
This is only my opinion...
I'm not really an expert on this...
I'm not one hundred percent sure but...
I'm just thinking...
You might do this because your insecurity prompts you to tack on a disclaimer in the hopes that you won't be attacked (because you've already attacked yourself) or you're lowering everyone's expectations so whatever you say won't be judged as harshly.
Guess what? This doesn't work! Disclaimers only serve to discredit you and your ideas.
Own your words. Own your ideas.
You're not forcing others to believe them. You're just stating them clearly and succinctly.
Listen for disclaimers. They're easier to spot when others talk. Eventually, you'll notice when you're about to open with a disclaimer. And then you can skip it and go right to your opening without softening or apologizing or discrediting yourself first.
It's simple but it's not easy.
If you have a presentation coming up, let's talk! Now's the time to take advantage of your free consultation with me. Contact me to schedule it.
Be seen. Be heard. Make a difference. And never belittle what you are about to say.
Banner Photo by Chelsea Petrakis