…even if you’re scared to death
Copyright 2006 Deborah Torres Patel

Many people get jitters in public. However, as Lilly
Walters author of Secrets of Successful Speakers says, 75%
of fear can be reduced by practice and preparation, 15% by
deep breathing, and 10% by mental preparation and focus.

Preparing thoroughly using these virtually painless tips as
a guide will help you to alleviate unnecessary stress and
ultimately provide a consistent structure for achieving
extraordinary results each and every time.

1. Plan ahead - If you use power point, create templates in
advance. The latest possible time to begin a presentation
is when notified. (Leaving things until the last minute can
stress anybody out!)

2. Organize your presentation with a strong opening and
closing because first and last impressions are remembered
most.

3. Customize for your audience – go to websites first.
Then interview relevant people to find out where the “pain”
is in relation to your product, service, or topic.  Asking
better questions equates to you delivering better value.

4. When your content is ready, begin practicing aloud and
on your feet.  Pay special attention to your beginning, key
points, and ending. During this process, you will
inevitably make revisions and improvements which will fine
tune your presentation.

5. After rehearsing aloud several times, record yourself on
audio or video.

6. Watch or listen to your practice sessions and make
adjustments until you are comfortable with your content and
delivery. (Try not to compare yourself to others.  Simply
focus on getting better than the last time.)

The Day Of Your Presentation:

7. Start with a good physical workout in the morning to
give you energy and focus for the day.

8. Do self-massage and vocal warm ups in the shower.
Massage your scalp, the base of your tongue, the temporal
mandibular joints (just by your ears between your cheeks
and jaw), neck and shoulders.  Make funny faces to exercise
facial muscles, do your favorite tongue twisters and sing
an uplifting song. (If you are at all self conscious
remember that in the shower usually no one is watching or
listening and the acoustics are great.)

9. Before and during your presentation, drinks should be
not too hot or too cold because your vocal cords function
best at body temperature.  Also stay away from carbonated
drinks because they often will cause you to burp.
(embarrassing & uncomfortable)

10. Avoid combining protein and starch in the same meal and
only eat fruit on an empty stomach. These simple food
combining rules will aid efficient digestion and pave the
way for peak performance.

11.  Run through your presentation physically if you have
the time.

12. Arrive early. Set up well in advance. Test and
double-check all equipment.

13. Own the room imagining your energy fills the entire
space extending to all walls and corners.  State your
intention aloud four times facing a different wall or
direction each time. (i.e. “to win the business”, “to
motivate my team to action” etc) If circumstances don’t
allow you to state your intention out loud, think it.

14. Next go inward by closing your eyes. In your mind’s
eye, imagine a person, place, or thing that you love.  If
you are religious or spiritual, you may want to connect
with your higher power.  Allow six or more deep breaths.
Breathe in love on the inhale and on the exhale, let go of
any tension, anxiety, or stress.

15. With your eyes still closed, mentally run through your
presentation. Visualize success seeing your desired
outcome. (much like an athlete preparing to win a
competition)

16. Play a fast piece of music you love, dance, or walk
briskly around the presentation room to pump yourself up
and burn excess adrenaline. If it’s not possible for you to
do this, run in place or jump up and down for 20-30 seconds
somewhere private. If neither is possible, do simple
isometric exercises, tensing and releasing muscles while
sitting or standing. (This is a great way to channel your
nervous energy into excitement and enthusiasm.)

17. Acknowledge yourself for the time and energy you have
invested to do your best. Frankly, by employing any of the
tips in this article, your next presentation will improve.
Finally, just trust and BE yourself. (And have some fun!)

—————————————————-
Deborah Torres Patel helps ordinary people become
extraordinary communicators. Get free video training and
many more powerful voice, presentation and public speaking
tips like how to be more exciting when you speak at:
http://expressingyou.com .

This entry was posted on Monday, October 23rd, 2006 at 11:17 am and is filed under Business, Leadership, Management, Public Speaking. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.