Nervousness is something most people feel when giving a presentation. What feelings do you get when you think about presentations? ommon feelings before a presentation begins:
- Pounding heart
- Trembling hands
- Dry throat
- Quick breathing
- Fast speaking
- Quiet or shy voice
- Blushing face
If you are like most inexperienced speakers you have some similar feelings. This lesson will help you ease your feelings and become more confident in your speaking skills.
These feelings are very common for most people. You are not alone in the way you feel. The following are some tips that will help you overcome your nervousness.
Tips
Don't expect perfection
We are all human and we make some mistakes. Understand this and focus on what you want to say next, rather you what mistakes you have made.
Use Visual Aids
Visual aids will take the audience's eyes off of you and shift them to your visuals. Also, by using visual aids you will walk around the room more often by showing something in the visual. (keep in mind, using an image that doesn't relate to your speach is never a good idea)
Preparation
Memorizing your speach will not help you feel less nervous, but preparation will. Focus on your introduction so that you can get a good start to the presentation. Most feelings of nervousness will disapear in the first few minutes of a presentation. Be prepared.
Pretend you aren't nervous
Never express to your audience that you are nervous, rather act and try to look confident. If you practice and prepare like you are confident, you are more likely to sound confident to your audience.
Involve your audience
Asking questions early in the speach will help involve your audience which will help lessen your nervousness.
Embrace your nervousness
Being nervous for a presentation is actually sometimes a good thing. Nervousness gives you energy and can make you think faster.