Terri Sjodin Blog | Persuasive Sales Skills Presentations | Professional Public Speaker | Sales Training Consulting | Author

Q.  Do you have any solutions or remedies for the sales professional or business person who is feeling a bit under the weather, but still has to give a presentation?

A. I know it can be tough to deliver a sales presentation when you are not feeling well,  but as the saying goes, sometimes… “ the show must go on!”  Now, I am not a doctor, and I would recommend that if you really aren’t feeling well, you should see a licensed medical professional.  That said, I will share a personal experience with you that has literally changed my life!

I was in Chicago, IL for a speaking engagement, and the night before the talk I started feeling achy, had a sore throat and was up all night sneezing…it was horrible.  I went down to the hotel gift shop and purchased the typical over the counter cold remedies and got thru the speech, barely….by the end of the keynote I had almost completely lost my voice.  (Clearly not a good thing for a speaker!)  Plus, I had another presentation scheduled in 2 days in Montreal, Canada.

So, first thing in the morning I got a referral from the Hotel Concierge to a walk-in medical center…  The doctor ran all the appropriate tests and said, “Terri, you have a bad cold…that’s it.  There’s nothing I can do for you.  – You will have to wait it out… and get lots of rest. “

“What? — That is not an option!  I have to get better.” I said, in a panicked whisper.

Then, she asked if I had ever used a Neti Pot?

TS: A what?

DR: A Neti Pot.

For those of you who may not be familiar here is a brief description and a link to a Mayo Clinic article…

“A neti pot is a container designed to rinse the nasal cavity. You might use a neti pot to treat nasal allergies, sinus problems or colds. In fact, some neti pot enthusiasts say that regular use of a neti pot is more effective for nasal allergy and sinus symptoms than are over-the-counter medications. First, fill the neti pot with warm salt water or an over-the-counter saline nasal solution. Then tilt your head over the sink, place the spout of the neti pot in the upper nostril and gently pour in the water. As you pour, the salt water will flow through your nasal cavity and out the lower nostril. Repeat on the other side” (Learn more here).

Truth be told, I had seen it on Oprah…however, I had never felt compelled to try it.  But now, I was willing to try anything.  (Plus, it was a natural and holistic option, which I prefer.) So, off to Walgreens I went.

I followed the directions from my doctor (Note: It was awkward and odd at first, but honestly, the relief was almost immediate.) and after 2 days I was able to speak, my sinuses were clear,  I could breathe!   Most importantly, I was able to deliver the Seminar in Montreal!

Needless to say, I am a huge fan of the Neti Pot!

Now, I use it before and after most flights, and it has made a tremendous difference in my flight recovery.    I highly recommend you take the time to learn about the Neti Pot!

I hope this little piece of advice helps you feel better the next time you have a cold, and breathe a little easier when you walk into your presentation!

TS