That heartfelt speech to win hearts of key segments of voters was what George Bush was lacking in campaign, especially throughout debates in which he was beaten badly by John Kerry.

After those debates, George Bush faced dark night of his leadership soul. It happens to many leaders when they realize that in order to succeed they have to abandon what worked before for them and jump off a cliff and make their wings on way down.

FDR faced it when he got polio and responded by seeking to continue in political life with wisdom and persistence and compassion. Winston Churchill faced it at Dunkirk. Harry Truman faced it in 1948 when it looked as if he would be defeated by Tom Dewey, and he made his now famous whistle stop campaigning that enabled him to come from behind and win. Ronald Reagan faced it when he decided that he would run for president at 68 years old.

George Bush faced it after debates. He could have remained in presidential bubble and given his canned speeches in front of canned audiences. But instead, he decided to go out there and be himself and lay it all on line. During last weeks of campaign, he pretty much dispensed with canned and just stood up there and spoke from heart to voters in battleground states. For first time in campaign, he was out of bubble giving leadership talks. And it made all difference in world.

Leaders take note. When you face dark night of your leadership soul and must take new action to get new results, break out of whatever bubble you might be in and start giving leadership talks.

How incredibly self-defeating is that?

The goal of your presentation preparation is to do EVERYTHING necessary to be prepared for your presentation and then change that negative self-talk into a more positive dialogue that increases self-esteem, reduces anxiety, and sets up expectation of success. Before a presentation, you should be telling yourself, “I am ready. I’ve done everything I could to prepare. I know my stuff. I am going to do very well.” This will enable you to think positively about your presentation and carry that positive attitude into your actual presentation.

What amazes me is how much more difficult it is to be kind to ourselves and believe in our success than it is to demean and berate ourselves and expect to fail.

The things we say to ourselves undoubtedly influence our feelings and our attitudes. Instead of telling yourself that you aren’t ready or that you wanted to be more prepared, why not try adjusting your attitude to positive side of life—“I am ready and I am going to give a good presentation.” Then watch as your positive outlook creates a positive outcome!

For much more about this and other Presentation Secrets, check out book "15 Presentation Secrets: How to WOW Even Toughest Audience," by Debbie Bailey available at trainer2go.com/ebooks.html.

Debbie Bailey is author of the book "15 Presentation Secrets - How to WOW Even the Toughest Audience." She is well known for her life changing presentation skills classes.