Big presentation tomorrow? If youve been putting it off, have no clue what to say and no idea where to beginyou are not alone. No wonder so many people say, I hate presenting. Here are the most popular top tips from my presentation skills training to help you get confident and ready for your big day.
Last week one participant in my presentation class cornered me on a break. Im really scared. I hate presenting, she told me in a hushed tone. My palms get clammy. My throat gets dry. And Im so afraid that Ill say the wrong thing in front of my boss.
Sound familiar?
So many people dread presenting, hate presenting, and wish they were anywhere else than in front of the room. Those bumper stickers of Id rather be sailing come to mind.
Ive seen this in myself and in thousands of professionals. What can you do instead of staring at the blinking cursor, worrying and obsessing before you give a presentation?
Here are my most popular 7 tips from my presentation skills training. Read them. Use them. And hey, find a new way to give presentations.
1.Start away from the computer
If youre fed up with staring at a blinking cursor, do something different. Plan your storyaway from the screen. Get out an old-fashioned piece of paper. Sketch your big ideas first. Then, add in detail, story flow and specific examples.
By working with a pencil and paper, your creative juices flow much easier.
2.Watch children
Just because you have a big presentation tomorrow, you deserve to get some creative inspiration. If you have children, watch them playing. If you dont go watch kids at a playground.
What do you notice? Theyre having fun! They are experimenting. They are trying out new things. They arent worried about whether theyll lose their job if they make a mistake.
Theyve got the right idea. Pick up a few pointers from them and then continue with your presentation planning.
3.Research last
Ahh. The ultimate lure of have to do more research. Perhaps you do. But not yet. Save adding facts, data and statistics for later. In fact, make time to do this at the very endafter youve worked out everything else. For now, just write in X for where you need to put a relevant statistic.
Youve just eliminated hours of searching. And youre back on track.
4.Whiteboard with a plan
Instead of relying exclusively on PowerPoint or Keynote slides, use a whiteboard. But dont do it without a clear visual framework and plan.
Whiteboard presenting is catching fire because it is the fastest way to engage audiences and have a real-time conversation. You arent limited to a corporate script. You can be responsive and adaptive on the spot.
Not sure how to look professional? Get whiteboard presentation skills training and coaching. This is easy to get online and also in person if you have a group or team.
5.Imagine the rewards
Just as Olympic athletes do, visualize success. Imagine in vivid detail all the rewards of doing a terrific job in your presentation. A signed deal. A promotion. A big bonus. Make certain that your visualization includes specific rewards that are important to you.
Picture this in precise detail so you can step into your future.
6.Take an online training
Whether you are presenting tomorrow or next week, pick up some new tips. The fastest way? Grab a seat in an online self-study course. Youll be able to pick and choose what you need, based on your current skills and urgent priorities.
Story line. Visuals. Calls to action. Youll find tips and tools for every aspect of presenting. Likely, youll use more than one idea for your presentationeven if it is tomorrow.
7.Practice with a coach
Whether you are new to presenting or a seasoned pro, theres always more to learn. Especially if youve spent your life saying, I hate presenting.
With the increase in virtual coaching, it is now affordable and convenient to work with an
executive coach. If you are serious about getting to a whole new levelfast, this is the way to go.
Imagine yourself. Confident. Poised. Ready to answer questions. Fearless in front of any audience. See? With just 7 quick tips for
remarkable presenting, youve got a plan. You dont have to limit your career. Instead you can feel confident, prepared and ready-to-go for your presentation.
