Author and presidential speechwriter James Humes once commented, “Every time you have to speak, you are auditioning for leadership.”
Talk about pressure! Let’s face it: if every single time you get ready to share your proposal, pitch, or project with your colleagues, clients or boss you think to yourself, “This is an audition for my professional future, so don’t blow it, dammit!” you’re likely to buckle under the pressure. Or just decide to keep your mouth shut. Either way, you’re not giving yourself the opportunity you need and deserve to share what you know, make a powerful, positive connection with your listeners, and demonstrate to everyone (including yourself!) that you’ve got the chops to do the job you have – and perhaps even the job you want next.
