The Planks of Confidence

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

Content Something to say Relevance Evidence, not just emotion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. In other words, he would spend his time preparing to make his job easier.