Own the presentation!

It’s the time of year when we are (in theory ) refreshed after a break and the creative juices are flowing and you may be considering the big issue you know needs taking on to get the year going. If you are about to build or launch a project, doing so with conviction really does matter.
When you’re presenting your plan to your boss, or the team,own it. Do your homework, do the grunt work of putting it together, anticipate some questions and prepare answers. But then own it, 100%.
Speak clearly and slowly, Look them in the eye, smile. Take it seriously, but not too seriously. Present yourself as though you know you’ve got the game well in hand, and that you’ve every confidence you’re on the right track. Tom Landy, Dallas Cowboys Head Coach, once said “ Leadership is a matter of having people look at you and gain confidence, seeing how you react. If you're in control, they're in control.” So expect the people around you to reflect what you outwardly display!
If you get questions you don’t know the answers to, say “I hadn’t thought of that. But you know what, I’ll be back to you with an answer within 24 hours.” Say that with confidence. Then, go find the best answer you’ve got. And deliver it. Sure,you may not nail it. (You may have that guy in the room that’s determined to throw water on every fire you light.) But your ideas are worth fighting for.
The ability to walk into a room, put your plan on the table, and let people throw rocks at it takes courage and some humility. Maybe you’ll even learn a thing or two. Quiet confidence and an articulate presentation are rare gems in a business world cluttered with mediocrity. That’s why they work so beautifully.
As you start this year delivering the plans you’ve worked so hard to build and shape in your head and on paper, practice. Own them and give them the presentation they deserve.