First Aid for Fearful Presenters
Presenting to an audience can be a terrifying ordeal, but it is possible to learn, practice and improve your presentation skills. After all, presentation skills aren’t something you’re born with. They are technical tools, not god given talents or mystical gifts. Barack Obama wasn’t always the sophisticated speaker we now know and good old Churchill started life with a voice impediment. So there really is hope for us all. You can learn a great deal by working with a trainer, but by following these few presentation tips you'll start to feel more condifent and comfortable in front of a crowd and even begin to enjoy yourself. And, as we all know, if you enjoy something it usually makes you better at it.
- Own the space
When a superstar enters, they own the room. If you arrive early get into the presentation room before your audience. Walk from front to back, walk round the edges. Have a look at the stage from the audience point of view. Make it yours. If you’re late and the crowd are waiting, do the same thing but with your eyes. Scan the presentation room; take in the details before you begin. Even if you feel nervous, you’ll start to make the space your own.
- Don’t hold your breath
Simple as that really. When you are anxious, your breathing becomes shallower; this affects your voice and drains the confidence from your presenting. Place your hand on your tummy button and breathe down deep. If it’s mid presentation, take a drink, give the audience a question to discuss, and send your breath down low. Steady your ship.
- Relax your feet
Another rapid fire remedy. The panic is rising, your voice is shaking and your hands are trembling. Stand still and relax your feet. Let go a little. Your feet are your foundation, let them take the weight. Trust us; it’ll make you feel better in a moment of panic.
- Softly, softly
No one likes being glared at. So win you audience by making soft, gentle eye contact with them all. Think ‘scan the room’, not ‘stare them down’. You’ll make new friends that way.
- You’re never alone
Presenting is a two way communication. You don’t need to feel alone up there. Ask the audience a question to kick off, make it conversational, allow them to contribute and be happy not to know every answer.
By using a few of these tips your presentations will rest on a surer footing, and you will be well on the way to developing excellent presentation skills.
Visit www.oppositeleg.co.uk for more hints and tips.
