What’s your potent presentation talisman?

A ‘power’ suit?  Lucky undies?  A pouch of your baby teeth?

Since time began, humans have looked outside themselves for protection, good health, fertility, love, you name it.  The Vikings, the ancient Egyptians, even former US President Barack Obama reportedly has a collection of lucky charms given to him on the campaign trail including a rosary from Pope Francis and a poker chip from a biker in Iowa.

What about you?  What’s your ‘armour’ – do you have something that makes you feel unstoppable when presenting?

It turns out, mine is a headband.  Nowhere near as cool as a biker’s poker chip, but it’s had a powerful impact on my business and my confidence.

This is a picture of me wearing my first ever headband.   I was in Cairns, Queensland at a women’s networking event hosted by one of my business besties.   One attendee was showing off her side hustle of headbands.   My friend, who was always at me to wear more colour encouraged me to buy one.    Now over 4 years and some 20+ headbands later, they have become a part of my personal brand.

It was unintentional at first, I would pop on a headband when I wanted to add more colour to my outfit.   I found that it framed and highlighted my face and as a public speaker, that’s exactly where I wanted my audience to be looking.  Over time I noticed that it also affected how I was showing up, by wearing a bright hair accessory that made me more visible – I was no longer blending in with my outfit nor my personality.  It would help bring out my brighter, confident side – unapologetically taking up space!

Before I knew it – I became ‘known’ for it.

When people meet me, you can see the recognition – “oh, you run that networking group…”, “you’re that public speaking coach.”  Not everyone is a fan of course, I have been asked quite bluntly “So, does that thing restrict your brain?” (clearly small talk and establishing rapport is not their superpower).  Honestly though, somedays I’m not a fan either – the last thing I want to do is put it on, I just want to blend in and disappear.   Those are the days that I probably need it the most!

Finding your armour, is something I recommend to all my one-on-one coaching clients – what piece of clothing, footwear, accessory, or lucky charm that helps trigger your unbreakable confidence?    Let me know if you need help finding one.