Giving presentations has been a big part of my life lately, and I’ll be the first to admit it can be tough. Public speaking can be incredibly anxiety-inducing, especially for those of us who aren’t naturally eloquent. However, I’m happy to say I’m getting much better!
One of the most valuable things I’ve learned over the past few years is the importance of developing a unique speaking style. I know I’m not the most naturally gifted orator, so I focus on bringing enthusiasm, sharing exclusive insights and valuable content, and of course, throwing in a few good-natured jokes.
We can’t all deliver speeches for the history books, but there are simple things you can do before a presentation to ease your nerves and improve your performance. Here are my 20 top tips to refine your presentation skills.
1. Practice Makes Perfect!
It goes without saying that rehearsing your presentation multiple times is crucial. While finding the time to practice can be challenging with a busy schedule, it’s essential for delivering a captivating presentation. I’m known for staying up late the night before a big presentation, rehearsing until I’m comfortable. If you want to sound polished, write out your speech instead of winging it – a script can be your best ally when nerves strike.
Try to practice in the actual space where you’ll be presenting. Some acting techniques even suggest practicing lines in different positions – standing, sitting, arms wide open, standing on one leg, even on the toilet (okay, maybe that last one is optional). The more you vary your position and environment, the more at ease you’ll feel with your speech. Consider doing a run-through for a friend or colleague, or record yourself and listen back to identify areas for improvement. Listening to recordings of your previous presentations can reveal unconscious habits and make you wonder, “Do I really sound like that?”
2. Channel Nervous Energy into Enthusiasm
This may sound odd, but I often have an energy drink and listen to upbeat music before presenting. It energizes me and helps me turn my anxiety into focused enthusiasm. Research suggests that a passionate delivery can be more impactful than eloquence alone. Since I’m no Churchill, I make sure I’m as enthusiastic and energetic as possible before taking the stage. Just remember everyone reacts differently to caffeine, so be mindful of your own limits before consuming those energy drinks.
3. Observe Other Presentations
If you’re speaking at a conference, try to catch some of the earlier presentations. It’s a way to observe different speaking styles and get a feel for the audience. What’s the overall mood? Are people receptive to humor, or are they more formal? Are the presentations more strategic or tactical? You might even hear something from another speaker that you can weave into your own presentation later on.
4. Arrive Ahead of Time
Always give yourself ample time to settle in before your presentation. This ensures you won’t be late, even if technology fails, and gives you a chance to acclimate to the presentation space.
5. Familiarize Yourself with the Environment
The more comfortable you are with your surroundings, the more relaxed you’ll feel. Spend time in the room where you’ll be presenting. Practice with the microphone and lighting, familiarize yourself with the seating arrangement, and note any potential distractions, like noise from outside.
5 minutes before my Inbound presentation … gulp
6. Mingle with the Audience
Make an effort to chat with people before your presentation. Engaging with the audience makes you seem more approachable and likeable. Ask them questions and genuinely listen to their responses. They might even inspire something you can incorporate into your talk.
7. Harness the Power of Positive Visualization
Countless studies confirm the effectiveness of positive visualization. When we visualize a successful outcome, it’s more likely to happen. Instead of thinking, “I’m going to bomb this,” and picturing a presentation disaster, imagine yourself captivating the audience with the energy of Jimmy Fallon and the grace of Audrey Hepburn (a touch of George Clooney’s charm wouldn’t hurt either). Positive thinking can work wonders – give it a try.
8. Remember: Most Audiences Are on Your Side
One of the hardest fears to overcome in public speaking is the feeling that the audience is waiting for you to mess up. Thankfully, this is rarely the case. The audience genuinely wants you to succeed. In fact, many people share the fear of public speaking, so even if they seem indifferent, there’s a good chance they understand how nerve-wracking it can be. If you start to feel anxious, remind yourself that the audience empathizes with you and wants you to do well.
9. Breathe Deeply
This classic advice holds true. When we’re nervous, our muscles tense up, and we might even catch ourselves holding our breath. Consciously take deep breaths to deliver oxygen to your brain and relax your body.
10. Smile
Smiling releases endorphins, which combat anxiety and make you feel good about your presentation. It also projects confidence and enthusiasm to the audience. This works even during webinars when people can’t see you. Just don’t overdo it – no one wants to see a manic grin.
11. Exercise Beforehand
Get some exercise earlier in the day to boost those mood-boosting endorphins and alleviate anxiety. Time to sign up for that Zumba class!
12. Master the Pause
When you’re nervous, it’s easy to rush through your presentation, which can lead to breathlessness, heightened anxiety, and ultimately, panic!
Don’t be afraid to slow down and incorporate pauses. They can be used to emphasize key points and make your delivery feel more conversational. If you sense yourself losing control of your pacing, pause, collect yourself, and continue.
13. Don’t Try to Cram in Too Much Information
Yes, your presentations should be chock-full of insightful, valuable, and actionable content. But that doesn’t mean cramming an overly complex topic into a short timeframe.
90 slides in 30 minutes? Only from @larrykim #stateofsearch http://t.co/uttijruots
— Kate Gwozdz (@KateGwozdz) November 17, 2014
Knowing what to include and, more importantly, what to leave out is crucial for a successful presentation. While I’m not suggesting you skimp on data or helpful visuals (some of my webinars have had over 80 slides), a rigorous editing process is essential. If something feels off-topic or only tangentially related to your main points, cut it. You can always use that extra material elsewhere.
14. Encourage Audience Participation
People enjoy sharing their thoughts and being heard, but presentations can sometimes feel one-sided. It doesn’t have to be this way.
Encourage audience engagement by asking for their input, inviting questions, and creating opportunities for participation. This fosters a more interactive and conversational atmosphere, making you appear more relatable. Consider starting with a poll or quick survey. Don’t shy away from unexpected questions – embrace them as opportunities to provide the audience with what they want.
Hopefully this man has a question and doesn’t just need to go to the bathroom.
15. Be Engaging
Even with a presentation full of amazing content, if the delivery falls flat, so will your entire session. I find that incorporating humor and lighthearted elements helps both the audience and me feel more comfortable, especially when presenting a lot of information. However, maintaining a balance is key - it’s not a stand-up routine, and people aren’t there solely for entertainment. That said, don’t be afraid to inject some humor. If you’re unsure if a joke is appropriate, test it out on friends and ask for their honest feedback.
16. It’s Okay to Not Have All the Answers
Many presenters hesitate to admit they don’t know everything, fearing it undermines their authority. In reality, we all know no one can be an expert on absolutely everything. Acknowledging this can actually enhance your credibility.
If someone asks a question that stumps you, it’s perfectly fine to admit it. This demonstrates that even the most knowledgeable individuals are constantly learning and can actually strengthen your credibility. The audience doesn’t expect you to be all-knowing – they simply want to learn from your expertise.
17. Strike a Power Pose
Projecting confident body language is another effective way to combat pre-presentation jitters. When your body language exudes confidence, your mind tends to follow. While you don’t need to channel your inner alpha gorilla (too much Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, perhaps), studies show that holding power stances for a few minutes before a presentation or big interview can boost confidence and composure. Whatever you do, don’t sit – it conveys passivity. Standing or walking around can help manage those pre-presentation butterflies (or maybe stomach bats is a better analogy?). Before you go on stage, strike your best superhero pose and hold your head high!
18. Stay Hydrated
Dry mouth is a common side effect of anxiety. Combat this by staying well-hydrated and drinking plenty of water before your talk (just remember those bathroom breaks!). Keep water nearby during your presentation to combat any dry mouth while you’re speaking. Plus, it doubles as a handy projectile for any potential hecklers. (That’ll show them.)
19. Consider Toastmasters
Toastmaster clubs are groups found worldwide that focus on helping people enhance their public speaking abilities. They typically meet during lunch or after work, with members taking turns delivering short speeches on various topics. The more you present, the better you’ll become, so joining a Toastmasters club could be your path to becoming a master orator. And hey, at least there’s no dress code.
20. Embrace the Fear
Instead of trying to suppress your fear, accept it. Working yourself up worrying about appearing nervous will only amplify your anxiety. Remember, those jitters aren’t always a bad thing – channel that nervous energy into enthusiasm and passion, and you’ll be well on your way to delivering a fantastic presentation. Go forth and conquer!