Use These Four Tips to Feel Confident.
It is said that all people fear two things - death and
public speaking. Having to present in front of others can be nerve-racking -
even for experienced speakers. You are not going to find the answers in your
Communications Plan. Here are some tips to help you feel more confident.
1. Prepare
Nothing gives you as much confidence as being
prepared. Of course, you need to know the content, but you should also
understand the structure of your presentation and how you will move from point
to point. You don't need (or want) to memorize the presentation, but you don't
want to forget things either.
You should rehearse the presentation multiple times.
This could be in front of a safe audience, or even saying the words to
yourself. You don't want to read content from a slide, but having the overall
session framed by some slides with bullet points can keep you on topic and make
the presentation more comfortable.
2. On the day of the presentation.
- Get yourself mentally and physically prepared.
- Get a good night's sleep
- Eat a healthy meal
- Try to free your schedule, so you're more relaxed
- Before you present, spend 15 minutes going over your presentation one last time. You should have a copy of your presentation that you can review.
- Relax
3. Use confident body language
- Much of your message is relayed through your body language.
- Make eye contact with people
- Appear confident using an open stance. Stand tall.
- Smile and let your personality shine
- Walk around a little
- Vary your voice and use slow, open hand gestures.
- Speak slowly and carefully, but passionately. If you're enthusiastic about the topic, then your listeners will be as well.
4. Look for opportunities for interaction
Encourage interaction with others during your
presentation. When others talk for a few seconds, it takes the focus off you
and lets you clear your head and focus on the key points ahead. Interaction
also keeps the audience engaged.
Public speaking is one of the hardest things to
master. If you prepare carefully, have a great mindset and are enthusiastic,
you will deliver a great presentation.
