You’ve probably seen the statistics that show that more people are afraid of speaking in public than afraid of dying. Why is this fear so pervasive?
Few of us have grown up speaking or presenting in front of others; and since most of us are highly self-critical, we don’t have the confidence required to deliver a professional presentation before a group of people. To become an outstanding presenter, you need to train yourself in relaxation, planning the presentation, verbal and non-verbal communication skills, and overcoming nervousness.
Prepare Thoroughly
One of the most important thing to do is to be prepare. The more you prepare for your presentation, the better will you be able to deliver it. If you know the content inside and out, then you are halfway there. If you are stumbling to remember concepts or how to transition from one subject to another, then you will not be able to create a favourable impression on the audience.
Having in-depth knowledge about what you will be presenting before others is vital. Some other helpful points to giving impressive presentations are:
- Design engaging presentations
- Select the most suitable delivery method based on the audience, the environment, and the message being delivered
- Master powerful and effective verbal and non-verbal communication techniques
- Gain insight into effective techniques for calming nerves
- Learn to create fantastic flip charts to support key messages
Body Language
Your body language says a lot when you are presenting before an audience. If you are feeling uncomfortable during the presentation, it will show in your body language. When practicing, pay attention to how your body is responding. Imagine that there are people sitting in front and listening to you. As you practice, you will find that your mind is now better adjusted to the presence of listeners. You will need to condition yourself to the attention that you will be getting. It will help you be comfortable during the presentation.
If you need to give presentations on a regular basis, it is advisable to get professionally trained in developing presentation skills. Spending the time in training for what is important for your career growth is always a wise choice.