The task of sharing a message in front of an audience can be exhilarating for some and intimidating for others. Thankfully, there are reliable steps you can take to increase the likelihood your message will be well received by any audience.

Dr. Gerald D. Bell, founder and CEO of Bell Leadership Institute, conducted extensive research across various industries, surveying thousands to identify the traits of the best and worst leaders. He discovered consistent patterns in their personalities and behaviors, leading to the development of the Bell Leadership Achiever Model.

Accepting yourself as you are today doesn’t mean settling; it means honoring the person you’ve become while investing in the person you’re becoming. When setting your personal goals for this year, think in terms of “great and getting better” and consider these guidelines.