What Obama’s staircase slip can teach speakers
If you should stumble just before or during your presentation, play it cool. Your confidence will carry the day. Here are some specifics.
1. Don’t show embarrassment.
After he slipped, Obama quickly recovered his footing and maintained composure. If you trip, slip or fall, find your footing and maintain your composure. Don’t stop and look at what you tripped on, sheepishly turn your gaze to onlookers nor hit your forehead in disbelief that you messed up on the way to the lectern. Stay calm, and keep going.
2. Continue with confidence.
When he regained his footing, notice that Obama let go of the hand railings and confidently bounded down the remaining stairs. After you recover, take pains to maintain an upright, open posture. Walk with a spring in your step, and smile with warmth and enthusiasm.
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