When studying for my Master Practitioner certification in NLP (Neuro Linguist Programming) I learnt some terrific techniques to help with my own confidence and have gone on to use these with my clients.
One in particular stands out for me and something I’ve used in a variety of situations from public speaking and being on TV to doing a charity ‘Big Zip’ across the River Trent.
Yes that really is me flying through the air!
The cherry picker that was used as the platform to launch from was higher than the apartments at River Crescent!
Talk about ‘feel the fear and do it anyway’!
I raised £900 for charity so it was worth the effort 
With clients I’ve used this same techniques to aid their confidence in situations including
- Public speaking
- Interviews
- Presentations
- Performing
Here are some examples of the results these techniques have achieved in the words of my clients …
“I had been invited to speak in front of a hundred people at a pharmaceutical conference in the US. I’m used to making presentations but for some reason this one had me literally paralysed with fear. I had a total block and couldn’t think rationally, or prepare properly for the talk. I spent an hour with Deborah the day before I flew to the US, and she taught me a simple technique which I put into practice straight away. On the day, I was looking forward to the talk rather than dreading it, and I know I delivered a fantastic presentation because of the feedback I received afterwards, along with the business leads! The technique is a powerful confidence-booster and I know I’ll use it forever. Thank you Deborah!”
Louise Righton Global Marketing Operations Manager at 3M Health Care
“I am not the best public speaker (to put it nicely!) and after only 1 mini session with Deborah, I am much more confident and can now get through a presentation without passing out! I am in no way the finished article and look forward to more sessions with her so that I can flourish on stage!”
Theresa Abbott, Director Bistro Live Ltd.
“Deborah has always been on hand to provide great tips on confidence. When I had my first interview she talked me through a brilliant technique that would help reduce my nerves and it worked, I felt much more confident. I have also been able to apply this technique to reduce exam nerves and help me whenever I have to do any public speaking.”
Rebecca Sharpe, Institute of Directors
“Being a performer, you constantly have to break your own boundaries and overcome nerves. Deborah has taught me a great confidence building skill that has really helped in beating those nerves and in making me feel more at ease when performing. The techniques that I continue to use are a massive help.”
Callum Burrows, Singer, Guitarist & Songwriter Saint Raymond
One of the key presuppositions of Neuro Linguist Programming (NLP) is that we have all the resources we need. The challenge of course is that in some situations we simply don’t think, feel or believe this to be the case.
One of the specific techniques I am referring to in this article teaches you how to be resourceful at a time when you really need it. The technique can be used to improve your performance whether in sport, performance situations like giving a presentation, making a speech or performing on stage.
Once you have learnt these techniques you can replicate the process when you find yourself in a similar situation or even a different one.
One of key things you need to understand is the process of anchoring.
Anchoring is the process of creating neurological associations by applying a specific stimulus to one or more of the five senses while the person is an associated, heightened state. This neurologically links the specific stimulus and the emotional state. Anchoring provides immediate access to any past emotional state so that someone can experience that state any time they choose.