March 29th, 2010
You’re in the home stretch now — in this installment, we’ll look at strategies for calming your nerves within an hour of stepping up to begin, and in the final installment, we’ll address tactics for on-stage nervousness.
Remember the good news: your nerves will settle significantly once you’re well into your program, and you just need to get through the next little while; then you’ll be good to go. Try these tips (you may even want to print out this installment and the next, to use as a handy reference just before you speak).
1.Be in the room early (if possible).
This allows you to familiarize yourself with the environment, perform a final AV check (if necessary) and meet and greet some folks.
2. Shift your focus.
Notice your environment, notice the people and see what you find most interesting about your surroundings.
3. Get interested.
Meet people, shake hands, ask questions, look people in the eye and get to know some of your audience members. Engage in sincere conversation and really listen intently — it helps you connect with your audience, makes you feel like part of the group, and takes your mind off your nerves.
4. Settle your body.
If you are alone in a ready room or otherwise cannot interact with your audience, try these tactics for settling your body:
- yawn (it relaxes your throat)
- sing scales (do-re-mi, etc.) to warm up your vocal chords
- take a quick walk (no pacing — it really doesn’t calm the nerves though some people say it does!)
- stretch (relaxes you while relieving specific points of tension)
- listen to music
- take some deep breaths (relaxes your entire being and oxygenates your cells)
- use the bathroom
- check yourself out in a mirror
5. Distract yourself.
If you are at the podium or seated (but not alone) waiting to go on, try these distractions:
- doodle (it relaxes your left brain)
- sketch something (anything pleasant – a flower, a car, a ring, a cloud)
- review your notes
- hum a little tune in your mind (silently)
- notice specific details about the audience
- concentrate on your ideas
Preparing for your next presentation now? Be sure to request your rental projector from Projector123.com. Click here to get started now.
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