March 19th, 2010
In this 6-part series, we’ll explore countless ways to manage those pre-stage jitters to ensure your delivery is smooth and confident.
Even if you don’t typically experience stage fright, it’s perfectly normal to feel a bit of pre-presentation anxiety. The good news is that it usually only precedes the time when you start speaking…the bad news is that you’ve got to survive those jitters and move through any nervousness before you can actually start speaking!
But don’t worry — we’re going to give you dozens of tips to calm those nerves and settle into a relaxed confidence to ensure that you deliver a smooth and effective presentation.
Let’s start with some tips you can begin well in advance of your presentation. These tips can be useful to you, whether you are preparing to speak in public, lead a small group, or even give a sales presentation. Public speaking is a skill that can further your career and assist you in building confidence and excelling in all areas of your life.
First, let’s use basic visualization to reinforce your strengths and minimize your weaknesses. Visualization simply refers to the act of imagining something or seeing it in your mind’s eye.
Let’s practice now. Close your eyes and imagine a giraffe.
Now, even if you are not a giraffe expert – or perhaps have never seen one in real life, odds are, you imagined a tall, 4-legged creature with a very long neck and very long legs. You might also have imagined it being yellow or golden in color, with large tawny spots. Even though there were no giraffes in sight, you were able to see one in your mind’s eye.
Next, imagine you are giving your presentation – and only imagine the good. If a negative thought pops into your mind (fumbling with notes, forgetting what to say, etc.) dismiss it immediately and return your attention to the positive.
See the bright, attentive faces of your audience. Hear the applause when you’re finished. Imagine your new clients signing a contract and handing you the check. Feel the confidence you will feel when it’s all over and you’ve done a bang-up job.
Do not underestimate the power of visualization — try it and you will be surprised.
And when you’re ready to rock your presentation, be sure to reserve your projector rental from Projector123.com. Click here to get started now.
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