Imagine this: You’ve been asked to give a presentation.
Congratulations! This is your chance to shine.
If you are like most people, you probably don’t like being in the spotlight and presenting. You may even have read somewhere that public speaking is the #1 fear of most people and that it's rated even
higher than the fear of dying.
Should just the thought of public speaking make you cringe, I have good news.
You can deliver confident and powerful presentations!
All it takes is preparation, practice, and a winning mindset. How do I know? Because the first time I ever had to present in front of a large group, I thought I was going to faint. Through preparation, practice and intentionally placing myself in front of opportunities to present, I grew to enjoy speaking in front of large groups. And now, it's one of my favorite ways to connect with people.
That's a picture of me presenting to a group of people.
I'd like to share some strategies you can use to conquer your worries. With these simple tips & tactics, you’ll be ready in no time, feeling confident, and fully prepared to speak to a group of any size.
First, there are a few things to point out:
- If you were asked to present, it's because you can do it—otherwise you wouldn’t have been asked in the first place.
- Some of the best, most well known speakers and actors have confessed that they really don't like presenting. So, when you look at your audience, know that you’re in good company because they are probably admiring your courage and want you to be successful.
- The words that come out of your mouth contribute to only about 10% of what is communicated. That leaves 90% to non-verbals. If your body language, expression and gestures communicate confidence, you will come across as confident.
But, just how do you create this confidence?
Here’s the secret: being prepared; practicing; and identifying (beforehand) instant solutions for de-stressing.
One of our favorite mottos is, “If you think you can, you can.”
Here are five strategies (with their tactics) to learn how to be prepared, stand confidently in front of your audience, and knock their socks off!
Confidence Builder #1: Know Your Content
Identify your key messages—bullet them in order so they tell a clear story.
Jot down cues for your key messages (e.g. on index card, flashcards, paper, etc.).
Have them ready as back up (but remember to refrain from reading them word-for-word while presenting).
Enhance your messages with supporting tools, and interesting visuals—it will be a perk for your audience, and it takes the spotlight off of you.
Be sure to tap into your resources—know a graphic design expert? Ask for their advice.
Confidence Builder #2: Practice Makes it a “Piece of Cake”
Practice delivery of your lines. Do this in the mirror. You might feel funny talking to yourself, but it works.
Or, use a Flip Video, record your presentation and review yourself in action.
Watch your body language.
Find your “confident look.”
Stand up straight, be sure to use smooth hand gestures, and limit unnecessary movement (e.g. rocking back and forth from one foot to the other).
Practice until the words flow like water.
When you’re ready, practice in front of a friend or two.
Ask them each for 3 things you did well and 1 thing you could improve.
Confidence Builder #3: Set the Stage with a "Winning Scene"
Visualize yourself delivering your presentation.
Then see your audience’s reaction.
What does that “winning scene” look like for you?
Visualize it over and over until you can see it so clearly that you know what color of socks your boss is wearing!
Confidence Builder #4: Go For It!
Identify ways to calm your nerves before you even begin: take deep breaths, or find whatever works for you (e.g. picture everyone in funny pajamas).
Squelch any negative thoughts or concerns by envision your “winning scene.”
Think positively. Remember: “If you think you can, you can.”
As you present, maintain eye contact with as many people as you can—this also conveys confidence. While we don't want you to stare at anyone for longer than three seconds, we also don't want your eyes darting around the audience. You'll look shifty!
Here's a quick tip: If it helps, determine a shape in your mind and make eye contact around the room as though you were creating that shape with your line of vision.
Confidence Builder #5: Build in a Success Support Mechanism
When speaking, be sure to keep your pace s…l...o…w.
Many of us tend to speedtalk when presenting. That means often what might sound slow to us sounds just right to the listener.
I am often guilty of speedtalking, so I learned to build in a support mechanism. When I make a presentation, before I begin, I'll ask someone to give me a hand signal if I start to pick up the pace and begin to speak too quickly.
There are many other strategies we use when we coach leaders and business owners in the development of their presentation skills. If you implement these five strategeies, you'll be able to start coaching yourself.
When you are well prepared you will make your points confidently, answer questions clearly, and start to look forward to your next opportunity to be on stage If it worked for me, it will work for you!
Looking forward to seeing you on stage,
Sylva Leduc, MEd, MPEC of SAGE Leaders Inc.
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