Presentation Skills for Nervous People
Presentation Skills for Nervous People
Many people find making presentations is a difficult and nerve-wracking experience. They feel nervous because they fear they will mess it up and look foolish.
However, there is a fail-safe method for making effective presentations which, if applied, allows anyone - including nervous people - to succeed.
The method which underpins effective presentations for nervous people consists of:
1. Clarity of purpose.
The first quality of effective presentations is they are designed to achieve a specific purpose.
Right at the start of the presentation, its purpose must be made clear to the audience.
If a presentation lacks "clarity of purpose" the speaker won't know what material to include and the audience won't be motivated to listen.
It is essential the presenter informs the audience of the purpose of the presentation and why it is important.
2. Logical structure.
All effective presentations follow a logical progression.
The presenter must have a detailed written plan, which outlines the content and is a logical progression. It takes the listeners on a mental journey from where they are, to where the presenter wants them to be at the end.
Without a detailed written plan of the ideas and their logical progression, the presenter has zero chance of feeling confident, because they don't know how they are going to succeed.
With a good, logical plan, the presenter is almost bound to succeed, irrespective of how nervous they feel.
3. Pacing must be perfect.
The presenter must deliver the material to the audience at a walking pace. The temptation for nervous presenters is to rush through the presentation, to get it over with.
This is a mistake. Even if you feel nervous, Slow down to a moderate delivery pace.
4. Correct voice tones.
In addition to talking slowly, vary your voice tones. Don't be monotone, be musical. Nervous people often speak quietly, so it is important that you speak louder, so people will THINK you are confident, even if you're not.
5. Body language to make you appear confident.
All expert presenters use particular body language tricks. They don't hide behind a podium. They step out and put themselves in full view.
Audience perceptions will be based on what you do, rather than how you feel. So, even if you're nervous, act as if you're not. Stand up straight. Don't lean on anything, or cower.
Hold your hands and arms in front of you, in a relaxed pose. Study the arm gestures of TV weather presenters and copy their style. They have had weeks of training on body language and you can get it for free.
Straight back, head up, open hand gestures.
6. Ignore your nerves.
Nervous presenters worry about the fact they are nervous, which makes them even more nervous!
So ignore the fact that you are nervous. Audiences are sympathetic to nervous speakers, PROVIDED that their presentation is: Purposeful, logically structured, delivered at the right pace, and in a variable voice tone.
Nervous speakers must not punish themselves for being nervous, since that will intensify their nervous response, and cause a self-destructive cycle.
To break the cycle, feel nervous and accept it as an inevitable part of making a presentation.
Say to yourself, "I feel nervous, because practically everyone feels nervous when they make a presentation. I accept my nervousness, but I won't worry about it. Instead I will focus on:
- The purpose of my presentation.
- The paced delivery of the logical sequence of ideas I have prepared.
- The tone of my voice which must be loud, varied and interesting.
If I focus on these three things, then the audience won't care that I am a bit nervous, and I will succeed".
Blogs by Email
Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!
Further Reading in Communication - Clear Communication
-
How to Ask the Right Questions - Good communication skills
Good communication is not only about the proper presentation of ideas, it is also means developing the ability to ask the right questions.
Read Article > -
Success Through Communication
The ability to communicate ideas to the rest of your team, is a vital skill for your organisation's success.
Read Article > -
How Language Causes Confusion
Ambiguity in business can be damaging both for your reputation and your finances. To avoid potential confusion when communicating with colleagues and customers, take a look at these five ways where ambiguous language should be avoided.
Read Article > -
How to improve your communication skills
How to Improve your Communication Skills You may have a need for training in the following specific areas of communication: Selling to the public. Communication of ideas (both to the public and to your colleagues). Handling difficult people and conflict situations. Answering difficult or critical questions. Building self-confidence as a communicator...
Read Article > -
Better Work Relationships
Developing your ability to create and maintain excellent relationships will help you enjoy more success in every aspect of your life.
Read Article >
Looking for Communication Skills Training?
If you're looking to develop your Clear Communication Skills, you may find this Communication Skills Training Course beneficial:
Open Training Course Pricing and Availability
Next Open Course Running tomorrow in Manchester, places available