Do you make presentations? Would you like to enhance your skills? Do you ever get nervous?
Mark Twain
once said:
"There are two types of speakers: those who are nervous and those
who are liars."
Everyone gets a case of the nerves at some time or another, even the most polished public speakers and presenters. In fact, surveys show that presenting is a number one fear, more prevalent than fear of dying!
Here are 10 tips that will help you to reduce tension...
- Be
prepared. Know your topic, your audience, details about the location,
and keep the presentation simple (2-3 key points which you expand upon
and reinforce in the presentation). Your audience does not need to know
everything about the topic. Sorting out what they need to know from
all that you might tell them is an important part of preparation. A
clear and tight presentation will keep the audience interested. If they
are interested, you will feel it, and you will shine.
- Rehearse
and practice. The more you practice, the better. Rehearse from start
to finish. Don't leave anything out, or you may leave it out when you
make the presentation. Rehearse using visual aids. Time each rehearsal.
You want to avoid the stress of knowing that you still have a lot to
say but the time is nearly up. So it is critical to finish your presentation
on time or early - never late.
- Do
not review your entire presentation just before giving it. It is
better to think about other things and relax. Just be sure you have
memorized how you will begin, and if you have practiced, the rest will
flow.
- Be
punctual. Nothing adds more to tension than arriving at the last
minute, or late. On the other hand, if you arrive early, you will have
time to mingle, assess the audience, and gather ideas of their expectations
for your presentation.
- Make sure
everything is ready and working, especially if you are giving
a PowerPoint presentation or using other audiovisual equipment. This
is another good reason to arrive early. On this same point, never rely
totally on these supports. YOU are the reason people are at the
presentation and you should be ready and able to deliver a good presentation
whether or not your supports are working.
- Dress
comfortably. Underdress rather than overdress. This will help you
to relax.
- Visualize
success. Envision yourself delivering the presentation with poise
and confidence to a very receptive audience.
- Breathe.
Surprisingly, many people who feel a rush of nervous tension are not
aware that they have literally stopped breathing or they are breathing
so shallowly that they feel they are about to gasp. Take a moment before
you start the presentation to breathe deeply while you smile at the
audience. Whenever you feel a nervous rush, find a natural place to
pause and breathe deeply again.
- Ease
into the presentation.
Make your first few words ones that are easy and comfortable and not
critical to the success of the presentation - a preamble of sorts. For
example, briefly introduce yourself and/or the topic, or offer a bit
of information or an insight that will lead you into the presentation.
This will allow you to ensure you have moved beyond any initial nervous
discomfort before you get into the key part of your presentation.
- Do not ignore nerves. If you ignore the tension you are feeling, it might increase. Accept it, breathe, and tell yourself that you are transforming this adrenalin rush into positive energy that will make this presentation the best ever.
in.sight communications provides coaching and workshops that enhance presentation skills. Contact us for more information.
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For more information on in.sight, phone us (403) 238-1397 or visit us online at http://www.insightcomm.ca
