Would it surprise you to know that even the most seasoned, polished professional speaker usually has moments of nervousness before making a presentation? Nervousness is a normal reaction to getting up in front of a room full of people you don’t know and trying to get them to like you (or at least like what you are saying) strictly on the force of your command of the material and your winning personality. When you put it that way, it does sound a little intimidating. Over the years, professional speakers learn to create their own set of tips and techniques to control those nerves and keep them from undermining their mission. Here are a few of the best ones I have collected:
Arrive early and get familiar with your surroundings. Check the layout of the room, test the sound system and make sure all your supporting technology is working.
Make a friend. Since you are already there, meet a few folks as they arrive. This gives you a better feel for the group, and gives you some faces to make eye contact with.
Practice makes perfect. Be certain that you are comfortable with your material before you arrive. Practice your presentation enough to be smooth and confident. If you are unsure of the material, your nervousness will increase and people will notice.
Loosen up. Deep breathing, stretching and other light exercises can take the edge off your nervousness.
Picture yourself succeeding. Find a quiet place, close your eyes, and present your speech in your mind. Visualize yourself at the podium, listen to yourself speaking, observe your gestures, see yourself smiling, and you will have a greater sense of calm about the real thing.
Remind yourself that the audience is on your side. Most people are there because they have an interest in what you have to say. They want you to succeed as much as you do. You don’t have to impress them, just give them what they came for, in as professional and polished way as you can.
Don't mention it. There is never a need to apologize in advance for anything you think MIGHT be wrong with your presentation – nervousness, inexperience, segments you wish were more focused, etc. You would be surprised at how often the audience will never even notice the flaws you think you see, unless you point them out. Just keep it to yourself and they will thing you were great!
The message is the mission. Most of the time, people didn’t come to hear you, they come because of the material you have prepared to share. As the messenger, you have a job to do. Focus on doing that, quit thinking about what they might be thinking about you, and everything will turn out just fine.
Redirect that nervous energy. Okay, so your heart rate may be up a little and your breathing may be faster than normal. Take that internal energy and funnel it into your presentation. Let the adrenalin work for you to infuse your projection, tone of voice and body language with lots of positive appeal and enthusiasm.
Experience is the best teacher. Take advantage of every opportunity to speak or make presentations in front of groups. Become the guy who volunteers to present when everyone else is staring at their shoes. Experience builds confidence, and nothing counters nervousness like knowing you can do it because you have already done it!
Re-Print Permission
This article may be reprinted in it's entirety if the following
conditions are met:
April Presentation Quick Tip of the Month – Cheaters Sometimes Win
It is never a good idea to turn your back to your audience during a presentation, even when you are referring to the screen where your PowerPoint slides are being displayed. In those situations, do what accomplished stage actors and TV weathercasters do – cheat. In this context, “cheating” refers to orienting your posture so that your body is no more than a quarter turn facing the screen, and then turn your face slightly more in toward the screen. This way you can see the screen out of the corner of your eye, but you are still keeping eye contact with the audience. Also, never gesture across your body; always gesture with the hand closest to the screen. This preserves the illusion that you are facing the audience, but allows you an adequate view of the screen as well. Even from this position, it is important to turn away from the screen and give your full attention to the audience most of the time. Once you have introduced the slide, ignore it and pay attention to your audience.
