How to Drive Sales by Mastering One of America’s Biggest Fears

Public speaking is estimated to strike fear in 75% of the American population. It’s normal to feel nervous before a presentation – no matter how large or small the audience is. In many sales situations, you’ll need to call someone you’ve never spoken with, explain your product and (hopefully) proceed to schedule a meeting.

Making sales is all about speaking in front of others: from the very first interaction that takes place until the signing of a contract. We’re here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be as daunting as you think! Here are four tips to help you feel more comfortable in front of your potential clients:

1. Practice makes perfect. 

To become a superstar salesperson, it’s important to practice your public speaking skills as much as possible. Making sales requires preparing for the unknown and the unexpected. Practice your pitch in front of your spouse or a best friend – and not just once. Have your listeners ask questions about your product so you can practice answering objections. Rehearsing in front of someone you care about is an excellent way to get the honest feedback that’ll help you improve. The more prepared you are for a sales pitch, the more comfortable you’ll be in front of the clients.

2. Follow your sales model. 

Go into every pitch with your plan and stick to it. The best way to build your confidence is through frequency and repetition. Find consistency in your presentations, and you’ll be in a rhythm before you realize it.

3. Slow it down. 

Remember to take your time. Potential clients schedule meetings with you because they’re genuinely interested in doing business with you. Speeding through your sales pitch could mean some critical information gets lost in the mix. Mention every feature your product has to offer without rushing through your pitch. The first meeting could be the only opportunity you get, so make it count!

4. Be genuine.

Following your plan and sticking to the sales model are crucial, but so is being yourself. Begin building trust with your clients from the very beginning. They want to do business with someone they can relate to – not some robot salesperson. Your authenticity and genuineness will attract more clients to your business than you think.

For most of us, presenting in front of others is a challenge. If you consistently follow your sales model, you can turn yourself into a master of public speaking through repetition and frequency. By taking the right approach and preparing for every sales pitch like it’s your first, anyone is capable of overcoming that sense of fear.