Arena Training Got Presentations? Well then if you are any good at all, you are probably at least a bit nervous. Nervousness, in my not so humble opinion, is a good thing. WHAT?? Yes, it means you RESPECT the audience enough to worry about making a good impression.
I play a lot of tennis. When I have a big match, I still get so nervous I sometimes have a tough time focusing and concentrating and I am out of breath, even though I have prepared. After a point or two, my muscle memory kicks in and I am back in the game.
Presenting is the same as any sport. Remind yourself that nervousness is going to happen and initiate the strategies you have practiced. Pretty soon, you will be presenting without fear!
OK, fine, you say. But I am super nervous. Are there some strategies I can use to look more confident and get my presentation back on track if my brain is refusing to accommodate me? YES! Here are a few of my favorite tips compiled over the years, which have really helped me and others.
ACCEPT THE FEAR
Rather than try and convince yourself that you are not afraid; admit that it is normal. There will be nervousness and apprehension. Tell yourself it is going to happen, it’s ok and get some strategies to deal with the inevitable.
PLAN PLAN PLAN
Know your purpose (Main and Strategic-more on that in my presentation class 😊) so that you can create a structure that you can follow even when you’re are feeling crazed. Have your outline in front of you by topic (Think Chunking—again back to my Presentation Basics) so that if you lose your place simply glance at your outline and continue onward…
RESEARCH YOUR AUDIENCE
You are going to present to audiences differently depending on who is in attendance. The more you know your audience’s expectations, the more confidence you will build. (Audience Checklist)
CREATE NOTES
Create notes and use them! People do not mind when you refer to notes. It means you are organized and respect their time. If you are not reading them, they are a great tool you can use if you lose your place or want to confirm your presentation when you are feeling nervous.
PRACTICE
This is essential. Consider practicing in front of your computer camera. You can even video yourself! This is a great way to pick up on nervous habits and correct them.
USE GOOD NONVERBAL CUES
Remember that nonverbal cues are extremely important in presentations. Even virtually. Are you standing (or sitting) up straight? Have you dressed for success? Are you using body movements (or non-movement) to your advantage?
SET A REASONABLE EXPECTATION
Perfect presentations are overrated! Who remembers if nothing went wrong? Don’t worry about mishaps; think on all the good things that happened. Did you complete your purpose? Great!
EXERCISE BEFORE A PRESENTATION
Ok, I am not talking about a 5K here. Just a little jumping around to get rid of the Zoomies! Release some nervous energy. Perhaps a short walk around the building (or your basement!) will do the trick.
GET THERE EARLY
Even if it’s at your home computer. Test the sound, test the technology and practice a little bit before everyone arrives. Get comfortable with the environment; you cannot do that if you are rushed.
DRINK WATER
We want to avoid that dry-mouth syndrome that often accompanies anxiety; stay hydrated and keep a drink nearby.
SPEAKING OF DRINKS
Avoid stimulants like coffee or tea. That can cause anxiety to increase. I don’t know how I make it through the morning without coffee, but be cognizant on how you feel.
BREATHE
Yes, I practice my yoga breathing. Sometimes when things are going all wrong, I try to take a couple of breaths and remember that it is only a presentation.
TALK TO ATTENDEES (FIND YOUR FAB 5!)
Do a meet and greet ahead of time if you can. Try and find some commonalities so you can remember that we are all in this world together! Sometimes you can find some attendees to whom you connect. Perhaps you can rely on them during the presentation when you are nervous. During my virtual presentations, I always use the “waiting rooms” so that I can meet and greet everyone individually as then appear.
MAKE EYE CONTACT
Take some time in the beginning to make eye contact with everyone around the room. Even virtually! Use the ‘Lighthouse or the M’ Technique. (You can search that 😊) or another plug…attend my presentation class!
SMILE
It’s weird, but when you smile, I mean really smile, it’s hard to be nervous for too long. Supposedly, smiling releases those endorphins to give you that surge of confidence! People smile back when someone is smiling at them. It also makes you look good!
SPEAK DELIBERATELY
I avoid using the “speak slowly” phrase because sometimes presenters tend to take that a little too seriously. We do not want to be boring or sound condescending. But practice enunciating and don’t forget…THE FIVE P’s. Ok, I will give them to you. PACE—PITCH–POWER—PROJECTION—PAUSE. The AWKWARD pause works well, especially during a virtual presentation.
DE-CATASTROPHIZE
Yes, I am not sure that’s a word, but I use it anyway. If something goes wrong MOVE ON!! It may feel horrible in the moment, but it is only a tiny part of your presentation and if you don’t make it a big deal, neither will the audience. It will be much more professional if you just go to plan B or C or D and not mention a thing.
What do you think? Helpful? Not?
Looking forward to hearing from you. What helps YOU manage nervousness? Send us a note so we can add (and credit) you to this blog.