Overcoming Presentation Anxiety

“Speaking before an audience is leadership in action” - Heidi Richards

Do you want to become a better communicator? Did you know that public speaking can be good for business? In fact, a few local groups have asked you to do a presentation. .. and you’re scarred to death! Your not alone. You have what is referred to as presentation anxiety. Larina Kase, PsyD, MBA, psychologist and business coach specializing in anxiety, says “I’ve learned (and research has shown) that people tend to overcompensate for anxiety which leads to more problems.” And we don’t need more problems, we need more business and our customers and clients need solutions. So how can you overcome presentation anxiety?

The number one thing you can do for yourself and for your audience is to be prepared! If you are prepared, you will have confidence knowing that you have done all you can to be successful in your presentation.

Here are some suggestions for being prepared:

#1 Join Toastmasters! In 1992 I was elected to become president of our local chamber of commerce. I have to tell you, I was terrified. Not of being president, of residing over the general monthly meetings. Up to that point I had chaired several committees and was quite comfortable leading small groups of 10 or less people, but 200! No way… my dear friend and mentor suggested I check out Toastmasters. So I decided to start a TM Club … and it was life altering. If there is a club in your area, run don’t walk to it and check it out. Nothing will help you gain more confidence than learning all the skills required to give a good speech, one you can be proud of.

Have something important to say. Something that will interest the audience and you are passionate about. When you speak you leave a piece of yourself within the hearts and minds of others - make it a piece worth keeping.

Practice, practice practice. I suggest you start practicing in front of a mirror. Watch yourself, the way you move, how you carry yourself. If you can video tape yourself, that is even better. Once you see the little habits you have, you can work to correct them.

After the mirror, I started with my dogs - dogs are great as they are not critical and they love everything we do. They make us realize it really is only a speech.

Give your speech in front of 1 or 2 friends or a family member. Set criteria. Tell them you only want them to listen and not critique. If you can take critique then ask them each for one suggestion for improvement and then work on that.

A speech coach can help you discover your style and then offer some specific advice on how to address the crowd, what your particular problems might be, and more.

Now comes “The BIG DAY.” Here are some suggestions for making your speech:

Don’t talk too fast. I find that newer speakers tend to talk fast … to get it over with. Practice speaking at a moderate pace.

Make eye contact with a few friendly faces in the crowd and talk directly to them.

Remember to pause. The pause is one of the most powerful parts of a speech. It makes people think you are thinking. Whenever I begin a speech, I look around at the entire crowd before I begin talking. This helps to find the friendly faces and it helps the audience connect with me.

Other tips to help you prepare.

Drink lots of water – dehydration will make you week at the knees, lightheaded and other physical challenges could result. Be careful not to drink too much not right before the program. You don’t want to have to deal with . another type of anxiety during your presentation
Get a good night’s sleep.
If you are speaking at a conference, or where other speakers are present, hang out with them and ask their advice and questions.

Some people find it helpful to eat a good meal at least one hour before your speech. For others an empty stomach works best.

Remember to breathe. I once gave a speech before a group of Trainers at the National Leadership Conference in Washington DC. I was so worried about doing well (after all these were people who always spoke in public) I forgot to breathe. After that speech I almost fainted from lack of oxygen. I had to lay down on a couch with a cold compress for more than an hour.

Visualize yourself doing well - and getting applause. The power of visualization is incredible. When asked, most athletes will tell you that when they achieve their goals, win the game, reach a milestone it is because they visualize themselves doing so.

Best of luck with your speech. You will be FANTASTIC!

Stay tuned for part two about Preparing your Presentation.