I have to do an important presentation on Monday, and even though i have been on a training course, I am still really nervous. I have done tons of presentations but I am not sure this helps and I am already having sleepless nights about it. I will be prepared but I am getting very uptight, please advise!! This is to win some work which is really important to our business so I need to come across as very savvy and in the know, which I cant when under pressure.
Help!!! Many many thanks.
2007-01-05
10:06:19
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13 answers
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asked by
elizabetty999
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in
Education & Reference
➔ Primary & Secondary Education
Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has answered my question on this, it really helps... and yes it is inevitable, so I will allot time on sunday to practice and stand tall when I'm there, many many thanks everyone XXXXXX
2007-01-05
10:23:52 ·
update #1
It's too late to join Toastmasters, but that will prepare you for next time.
For this time:
Start with a question or something upbeat that grabs their attention. I don't know the audience, but a little humor related to the subject may be appropriate.
Summarize what you are about to present.
Break it down to specific points, all of which support the conclusion you are attempting to convince them of.
As you go through each of these points, keep it on a high level, avoiding too many details that put them to sleep.
At the end, summarize the points you have just made and close with another statement of your intended conclusion.
Avoid saying ah, um, uh, and...and...and. These words make you look amateur and nervous.
Speak loudly and distinctly.
Look and sound professional. Dress sharply and avoid slang expressions!
Most important: BE PREPARED. Know your speech inside out. Don't read it.
Bring an outline on a 3x5 card, so you don't get lost, but don't bury your head in your notes.
As you speak, look people in the eye for a few moments each, rotating around the room. You can look at one new person for each phrase or sentence.
Move around behind the podium. Don't be a statue.
If you bring hand-outs, wait to pass them out as you finish, so they listen to you instead of reading.
Picture yourself with the desired result in hand. Keep this confident visualization in the back of your mind throughout the speech.
You are going to do great -- go get 'em. And for next time, join Toastmasters.
2007-01-05 10:43:19
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answer #1
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answered by Thom C 2
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There is really no way to stop anxiety once it starts like this. There are many breathing techniques you can do but it sounds like you are suffering from a lack of confidence. I do public speaking as a career and I still get a little bit nervous. But I have been able to turn it around. I like to be the focal point in a room and so I am well adapted to my job.
Knowing the material backwards and forwards is top priority. I accomplish this by asking myself the common questions a reporter would ask during an interview. Even if questions won't be asked during your presentation, it is helpful when preparing.
Have family or friends ask you questions about your presentation and then critic you on your stance and tone. Once you are confident in your material and self, the anxiety should start to go down. If you have done tons of presentations then you should know that the anxiety does not last long.
Take a deep breath, know your material. And remember, your audience knows if you are not confident. That is half the battle.
2007-01-05 10:23:10
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answer #2
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answered by Katie 2
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I feel your pain - I also get nervous before presentations, and it really is frustrating because it doesn't help! The advice the other posters has given is good, so I'm only going to add one thing that I learned the last time I gave a paper at a conference.
Don't fight the nerves. I found that fighting the adrenalin and everything else just made them worse. Accept that they're going to be part of the presentation, and try not to let them add to the pressure you're already feeling.
2007-01-05 11:47:57
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answer #3
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answered by zodiacs_cat 2
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Having been a trainer for may years I can only suggest the following:-
Breathe. It sounds simple, but it's the number one problem people have publicly speaking. Take a good deep breath at the beginning, speak about 75% of the speed you would normally, people have to take in what your saying. Include some pauses, people will expect you to. Have key notes, not a complete verbose text of what you want to say, that way people won't just hear you read a script.
Stand up straight, address the audience, ignore your mistakes, they always sound worse to you, no one will remember after the event.
Conclude, repeat your main points,
Thank your audience
Introduce the next speaker, if appropiate
Retire to the bar!
2007-01-05 10:25:14
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answer #4
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answered by Jonny_Baker 2
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I always find it easy to do presentations when:
a) i pretend i'm not myself; i tell myself I'm a confident person, everyone LOVES me and i am not a loser
b) i also envision the prospects of being successful, it makes me feel so positive about the presentation
c) I look at the competition, point out their flaws to myself and think clearly about the pros of my own presentation
d) look my best, if i look awful, have the wrong top on, wearing the wrong perfume, have my hair up in the wrong way, i'll feel less confident
good luck!!! just OWN the room!! you WILL win! promise yourself!
2007-01-05 10:22:39
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answer #5
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answered by soukmun 1
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Oh.. well I would say understand your topic. Keep it simple. Have a prompt card or sheet of paper (A5) Have an introduction, a body and a conclusion. Keep your notes to a minimum with headings, sub-headings and bullet points if you need them. Stay relaxed and then your voice with reflect your composure. Use gestures to emphasise points and keep your audiences attention. Talk with good modulation (pitch, pace and power) rather than in a monotone. Try to avoid word whiskers such as ... um ... er.
All the best!
2007-01-05 10:16:20
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answer #6
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answered by breezinabout 3
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You're nervous because you know it's important.
And because of that you'll be prepared.
As you'll be prepared, everything will go ok.
Seriously, you obviously know what you're doing and the fact that the actual presentation is very important doesn't make it any harder than one that doesn't really matter.
Take a deep breath, and knock 'em out buddy.
2007-01-05 10:18:04
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answer #7
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answered by ein 2
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Don't think about it. Really, just accept it as if it was a doctors appoinment or sunset etc. Any time you feel anxious about it just tell yourself to stop because its inevitable and therefore not worth stressing about.
Practice your speech and be prepared, tell the little voices to shut up and GO GIRL!!
2007-01-05 10:16:56
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answer #8
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answered by argyle268a 1
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When I speak in public I treat it like an acting role, modelling myself on someone I know who seems much more confident than me. Preparation is key, so rehearse the whole thing beforehand as if you are in a play. Good luck!
2007-01-05 10:17:50
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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1. Never look into someone's eye... that makes you nervous... look on top of people's heads or look at their foreheads... (if you wear glasses just take them off)
2. Look at all your audience... don't concentrate on one part... look all over...
3. 3DB (3 deep breaths) before starting
4. Eat a little packet (1 teaspoon sugar sachet) and a glass of water 3-5 minutes before starting...
5. Don't stare at the paper... try and memorize it if you can...
I am a debater... I've participated in loads of debates, declamations, discussions (and now I am doing an LLB... loads of public speaking... I know what I am saying !!)
Oh and best of luck !!
2007-01-05 11:11:37
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answer #10
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answered by Glitter-Girl 5
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