Managing Nervousness

by

David W. Richardson, CSP

It is well known that the number one fear of human beings is that of getting up and speaking before a group of people.  That's even greater than the fear of death, although many believe that both will occur simultaneously.  If you are nervous when getting up to make a presentation, you are not unique.  In fact, if you are not slightly nervous prior to making a presentation, you could actually blow it.

Here are some tips to help you take that nervous energy and turn it into powerful adrenaline: 

1.      Think positively.  You might consider that to be trite advice; however, if you enter a presentation telling yourself "I know this is going to be a terrible speech", guess what? It will be! Put a positive thought in your mind, and see yourself delivering a successful presentation. 

2.      Deliver an audience-centered presentation.  Many presenters are quick to deliver a "speaker-centered" presentation, one that concentrates on their own concerns about the presentation.  An audience-centered presentation, however, places the focus and concern where it should be, on your listeners.  When you are more interested in what they get out of it as opposed to what you put into it, you cannot help but be successful. 

3.      Take three deep breaths.  With your feet flat on the floor and your hands on your lap, take a deep breath, inhaling to the count of eight and exhaling to that same count of eight.  Do that three times and you will feel your body begin to relax.  Further, oxygen will flow steadily to your brain, which is where you need it. 

4.      Seek out three pleasant faces.  Depending on a number of factors, your listeners will exhibit a variety of facial expressions, body postures, and an overall general interest as you prepare to speak.  As you begin to speak, seek out three pleasant faces, three people who are smiling and appear to be interested and begin your speech by looking at them.  Look into their eyes and gather energy from their positive response.  Remember, though, to make eye contact with others as your presentation progresses. 

5.      Rehearse and practice.  How do you practice for a presentation?  Some people like to practice in front of a mirror, others might practice in front of their spouse or family, and others might close the door in their office for rehearsal. 

Consider either videotaping or audiotaping your presentation as you practice it.   As you play it back, listen for such things as non-words and effective pauses.  Evaluate your pace, your inflection, and your overall delivery. 

6.      Practice before going to bed.  Practice your speech or presentation as the very last thing you do at night before you go to sleep.  Your subconscious mind will play that presentation over and over again as you sleep.  It won't disrupt your sleep in any way, and when you wake up in the morning, you will not only be well rested, but the presentation will be fresh in your mind. 

I use this technique, and I can tell you that it works.  Why it works or how it works I have no idea.  I only know that it does work. 

7.      Check out the room.  Prior to the day of your presentation, check out the room in which you are scheduled to speak.  If you're speaking in the conference room at a client's facility, request an opportunity to see the room prior to the day of your presentation. 

If you're staying in a hotel where the presentation will be delivered, simply walk downstairs and look at the room.  Position yourself at the front of the room where you will be during your presentation.  In your mind's eye, see the people in the room, get a feeling of their presence, and note how comfortable you feel.   

Now as you practice your presentation, you can picture yourself standing in the appropriate venue.   

8.      Have a quiet dinner with a calm person the evening before your presentation.  You want to avoid any tension or stress the evening before your presentation.  Just try to have a relaxing evening that does not involve critical high-powered business discussions. 

Above all, remember how the audience really feels and what they know: 

1.      They do not know your presentation -- only you know what you are going to say.

2.      The presentation takes place in their minds, not in your voice or written notes.

3.      They are there because they believe you have something important to say.

4.      They are not there to judge or evaluate you. 

Everyone is nervous prior to giving a presentation . . . everyone!  It's how you handle that nervousness that will dictate your effectiveness in getting your ideas and objectives over to your listeners. 

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