HOW TO ROCK YOUR NEXT PRESENTATION- TOP PUBLIC SPEAKING TIPS THAT YOU CAN’T MISS!
“Oh my god I’m going to say something stupid” “I am going to embarrass myself” “They all can easily tell I am nervous” “I am sweating”
“W H Y W A S I B O R N?”
Can you relate? When it’s your turn to speak or present, do the same thoughts start running in your mind? Do you feel helpless and your voice starts shaking?
DO NOT WORRY, I GOT YOU!
You are not alone. Having an introverted side was a challenge enough already, But also as a non-English speaker, it became extremely hard to feel like you are ready and prepared while presenting.
SO, Trust me on this one! If I can learn to communicate effectively, then Stop doubting yourself, and let’s work on being a great leader! You know awesome communication skills are one of the best qualities a leader can have?
LET’S DIVE IN!
# MANAGING YOUR ANXIETY.
The first step is to simply accept whatever you are feeling in the moment. in other words, Greet your anxiety!
Say, “This is me feeling nervous, as I am going to blow them away with my ideas and presentation!”
no kidding, you can totally do that.
Accepting and acknowledging, the way you are feeling right now, will not necessarily reduce your anxiety but will keep it under control.
Before presenting, warming up your voice is essential. You may try having small talks with other people or your peers before presenting, to feel more comfortable and prepared. OR, you can practice tongue twisters!
Saying tongue twisters or counting backward is a great way to be at the present moment. Worrying about “they will think I am stupid” or “What if nobody participates” are all future states. being in the present moment will help you to communicate and listen successfully.
DARE TO BE DULL!
# USING CONVERSATIONAL LANGUAGE.
The second step is to realize you are not here to present, you are here to communicate.
You can ask questions, and engage your audience in activities such as polling or voting.
Remember, your whole presentation is a series of questions. WHAT NOW? SO WHAT? NOW WHAT? so, in other words, you are answering questions. give your audience the opportunity to engage and present their thoughts.
See it as an opportunity to share your ideas and thoughts, and to invite your audience and connect with them.
Do not pressurize yourself for making it perfect. It cannot be.
Rather than striving for greatness, DARE TO BE DULL! You do not have to make it perfect.
Another great tip is using humor! Sharing something funny doesn’t only help to make others feel comfortable, but also encourages your audience to participate.
what should you joke about? ABOUT SOMEONE IN THE AUDIENCE? GREAT IDEA!
no, please do not do that.
The trick that always works is, laughing at yourself! Do not share something way too embarrassing, if you are worried!
HOW TO NOT MAKE IT AWKWARD WHILE TRYING TO BE FUNNY-
- Make sure it is funny. Some jokes sound better in your head and when you spill them, there is nothing but utter silence. yep, awkward! To ensure your joke is funny, go on, ASK SOMEONE FIRST!
- WHAT IF IT DOES NOT WORK? okay, what if nobody laughs? Have a backup plan! Make sure you know to respond to the silence, either have another joke for a joke or find another way to keep your audience’s interest and fill up the silence. Of course, that depends on the context but It’s your job to make sure you are not losing your audience’s focus.
- Now, if you are still worried after following the 2 steps stated, simply do not Try the joke.
ONLY THOSE WHO DARE TO FAIL GREATLY CAN EVER ACHIEVE GREATLY.
# BODY LANGUAGE.
Have you seen a nervous speaker presenting? What is their body language like?
When a speaker is nervous, they distance themselves physically and also verbally.
It makes you appear non-confident and also might create barriers in your conversation.
leaning yourself in and talking closer to your audience brings you together and also makes your listeners feel welcomed and supported.
SLOW DOWN AND LISTEN.
Another great tip is to be an active listener.
Understanding your audience’s needs and wants becomes extremely crucial. When you truly listen to what the other person is saying, you can respond in a more friendly and targeted way.
DON’T JUST DO SOMETHING, STAND THERE! and listen!
BONUS: ANSWERING QUESTIONS IN SPONTANEOUS SITUATIONS.
After every Workshop or Session, there is always a Q and A session.
when someone asks a question, do you get nervous about saying the wrong stuff to the point that your brain cannot comprehend anything at all?
IF YES, I CAN RELATE!
The best way of answering questions is to use a structure.
THE STRUCTURE: WHAT, SO WHAT, NOW WHAT.
The first “WHAT” addresses the problem here or the question.
The second “SO WHAT” talks about the Next step after realizing the problem. you may point to your solutions or any thought about the question here.
THE THIRD “NOW WHAT” means after sharing your answers, solutions thoughts, opinions if there is the next step, you can include that here. for example, simply summarizing your small idea counts.
This structure, plainly helps you to present your ideas the right way. So that you are not jumbling around the stuff and making your listener confused. It helps you to focus, and make sure you are being in the present moment.
OKAY, WELL DONE.
OUR LAST STEP
Prepare. really, it is that simple.
Do not just go through your slides and repeat everything in the brain. Actually, Stand up and practice. In front of your friends, a mirror, a camera, Talk to an imaginary audience!
Practice might not make you perfect, but it will surely make you better!
With that, Thank you for reading till the end.
And Goodluck with your next presentation! YOU ROCK!
