I need to gain confidence in this field please help!
2007-02-13 07:28:03 · 14 answers · asked by ? 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Practice makes perfect!! This is definitely true with presentations. You'll feel more confident, and much more prepared if you practice over and over and over.
While giving your presentation, try not looking exactly into the audience's eyes, but try to look at the top of their heads. My speech professional in college gave me that tip, and it really helped with my nervousness, while still giving the audience the feeling that you're connecting with them.
Do neck stretching exercises, rolling your head around 360 degrees slowly shortly before you give your presentation. It will loosen you up, and help you to project your voise to the audience.
2007-02-13 07:42:35 · answer #1 · answered by Just Me 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Preparation. Know your stuff inside out. Know it so well that you can answer ANY question from the audience.
Don't say "er". Instead, pause for a second.
Don't read aloud. It sounds terrible. Make simple notes of key words and use them to pick up from if you lose your thread. If you're using powerpoint slides, don't read them out - use them as reminders of the main points, and expand on them as you go through.
Don't do that annoying lift at the end of a sentence like you're seeking confirmation or approval for what you're saying. You are telling them how things are, not asking them. It's your presentation, on your subject. Speak with confidence.
Remind yourself that there's a reason it's you giving this presentation and not anyone else. You are the best person to be doing it. Even if you aren't perfect. Smile, and don't be afraid to make eye contact.
If you can't remember what you're supposed to say next, stop and say "any questions on what I've said so far?". Or walk over to get a drink of water. Don't be afraid of silence - it doesn't mean you've messed up. Only very young children keep up a constant stream of chatter.
If you know anyone in the audience, ask them to make some notes and feed back to you afterwards. Don't think in terms of what's going wrong, think of learning from it so you can do better next time.
And remember: Will it matter in a year? Perspective is key. It might be the most important thing in your week, but the audience in a presentation aren't interested in you. They could be vaguely interested in what you're saying. More likely, they just want it over with. Short of wetting yourself or showing up drunk, you are unlikely to do anything noticeable/memorable enough that people are still talking about it a week later - or even an hour later.
Chill, and try to enjoy it.
But most importantly, prepare. Remember the six p's: Proper Preparation Prevents Piss-Poor Presentations. Even if you've left it too late and can only rehearse the opening thirty seconds - do that. Stand in front of a mirror and say it like you're saying it to them. Repeat x30, until you're bored silly with it.
2007-02-13 07:53:09 · answer #2 · answered by Snakey B 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have confidence!! You have to remember that the people you are speaking to, are no better than you. They are humans like you, and have made mistakes before like you and are not perfect. And then try to keep in mind that you have something about you, maybe a talent or some type of trait that only you have that nobody else has, maybe you are a good team player or you are good at making everybody laugh, i am sure that there are lots of things that you are good at that they will never be as good at. and then you will feel more like an equal and not let them psyc you out. Also practice in front of a mirror, that way you can feel more comfortable and will look more natural when you do it in front of people.. or if you can get a friend or co-worker to let you say the speech to them that might help you realize that you can do it! GOOD LUCK!! KNOCK 'EM DEAD.... not really... but you know what i mean! :)
2007-02-13 08:02:23 · answer #3 · answered by MOT-XJ 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Practice. The only real way to be sure that you're not going to fold is to practice what you have to say. And when you are about to give your talk take a deep breath and don't rush through what you are saying. Keep taking breaks but not long ones as it makes you look as if you don't know what you are saying.
Basically just relax and after around 30 secs - 1 min. you'll be fine.
2007-02-13 07:33:15 · answer #4 · answered by bassmonkey1969 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Remember no matter how high on the "food chain" the people are that you are giving your presentation to...
1. they all put their pants on one leg at a time
2. they all have had their "first presentations"
3. they all bleed red
4. As long as you have belief in what your doing and a passion for your "product" you'll be fine.
Take a deep breath, paint a smile on your lips, and NEVER let them see you sweat!!! Good luck!!
2007-02-13 07:38:21 · answer #5 · answered by Barbiq 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1
2017-02-25 13:46:40 · answer #6 · answered by Berger 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They will assume that you know what you're talking about - you assume that they know nothing. That's how to be confident in front of an audience at a presentation.
Also - PPPPP - 'Perfect Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.' It's true. PREPARE!
2007-02-13 07:37:54 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I was going to give you the spiel on how to do it but snakey has given the definitive tutorial on the subject. Dont worry you will be fine. If I can do it then so can you.
2007-02-13 08:03:03 · answer #8 · answered by boomedly 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
eat healthily the night before - pig out on the moring in question.
Take enough caffiene/nicotione or whatever your kick is, to stop just short of getting a "buzz" (not alcohol or anything silly).
Know your subject.
Imagine every member of your audience is sitting there with their pants/skirts around their ankles.
Kick *** - Good luck.
2007-02-13 07:37:54 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Absolutely know your subject inside out
2007-02-13 07:39:33 · answer #10 · answered by Angelfish 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋