Last week, I witnessed the brave finalists step up on stage and deliver their pitches for their Shark Tank version competition. Ten groups, junior and senior high school business students. All brave, creative, composed, as they led us through their PowerPoint slides taking us through their product, purpose or what issue it solves, SWOT analysis, cost details, marketing strategy, and sales pitch.

As one of the judges, I sat in the first row of the auditorium with my rating sheets and questions. Impressed by their delivery because, even in college, I struggled to get through class speeches without a shaky voice and hands. Though, deep down inside, I knew I belonged on the stage. I was meant to inspire and empower others. I loved talking about what lit me up with friends, and I could tell they were moved by my message because of my passion and presence. But how would I graduate to a larger crowd and keep the same energy without passing out? Courage and practice, that’s how.

Thinking back to when I first started to facilitate training in the workplace many, many years ago, I was absolutely terrified of the questions. The questions the participants would ask or how they may challenge me on the topic. Because you can practice your presentation, rehearse all you want, get comfortable and confident, and feel into that energizing-aliveness that comes from nerves-excitement. But you can’t ever anticipate every possible question.

What if I couldn’t answer the question?
What if I stumbled and couldn’t get any words out?
How would I look as a trainer if I couldn’t explain, give the right information, or justify an approach?
Would I still be seen as credible?

This caused me to do practice rounds in front of my coworkers and boss and field some of what they believed would be anticipated questions and concerns.

This also led me to bring all my supplemental materials and notes into that training room or board room. I’d make sure all the docs were in a shared drive open so I could flip to it, if needed. Better prepared than unprepared, right?

Somehow along the way, I realized that as the questions or comments came, “What if this happens” or “What do you recommend we do if” or “This doesn’t make sense to me. I don’t see how this could work,” I could pause, take a breather, listen to the concern being raised. Then respond as a coach/trainer based on all my years of experience in HR. I didn’t need to script it all in advance. And I didn’t need to have all the answers. If I didn’t know something, I could respond, “That’s a great question and something we need to consider further. Let us look into that and circle back. Thank-you for raising that concern.”

Simply being present in the moment, allowed me to dwell in a place of uncertainty, and trust myself that I could respond in the best way possible at that very moment. And I didn’t die of sweating to death or my heart racing in anticipation.

Quite the opposite. I embraced it, made light of the situation (when appropriate), and we laughed and learned together.

Allowing myself to be in the uncertainty that lingered after all my preparedness, allowed me to trust myself more. Allowed me to expand my confidence as a trainer and speaker.

Tell me, what’s one step you’ll take toward something that feels uncertain or uncomfortable? Maybe where you don’t have all the answers. Maybe it’s a conversation you’ve been avoiding because you’re worried about how the other will respond. Maybe you simply don’t know where to start.

Well, I’ve got you. Either hit reply on this email (sarina@crself.com) or DM me on Instagram for motivational and encouraging words.

May this inspire you to show up in your life today, tomorrow, and always. 

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I deeply honor you. Thank-you for being part of the C&R Self community! Namaste. – Sarina

Sarina Tomel
Leadership/Mindset Coach + HR/Training Consultant
Speaker ~ Writer ~ AdventureSeeker

Sarina is working on a memoir about recovery through running, repeated heartbreak, and healing the trauma.

Sarina teaches and coaches her clients on how to Step up, Speak up, and Stand up for their careers, relationships, and well-being. 

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P.S. Here’s the link to book an initial 20-min connection call with me to figure out if we’re aligned and what’s the best approach to move forward.

P.S.S. Are we connected on Instagram? Come join me and let’s chat there! I love sharing mantras and stories there as well.