The following practical strategies are based on experience, not only as a presenter but also as a coach of other presenters. I call them 'practical' because they concern the act of doing. If you use them long enough (for about 30 days) you will develop a series of good habits that will greatly enhance your presentation skills.
Most people lose their enthusiasm because of stress, here is the practical tip:
When I focus me my stress goes up!!
When I focus on the audience my stress goes down
Reduce anxiety by being well prepared. The #1 form of protection against anxiety is knowing your subject matter. Be prepared and you'll naturally feel better about your presentation. Rehearse your presentation, applying all the skills you have learned so far. Then use them or lose them. Most individuals put more thought and action into planning a vacation than into a presentation that could possibly affect
their lives.
Talk to one person at a time. Literally look directly into the eyes of one listener at a time, just as you would in a normal day-to-day conversation. This might be difficult at first, if you're used to scanning and avoiding eye contact, but it's worth the effort to acquire this basic habit of effective presentation. This will help you build rapport and trust with your audience, and it also helps calm anxiety, not only in yourself but also among your listeners.
Good posture makes it easier for you to breathe and, in turn, easier for you to get your words out naturally. This helps you build confidence and look natural. Deep breathing before you start calms nerves and provides oxygen to fuel your presentation. Don't rely on drugs or alcohol to calm your nerves. The resulting slowed reactions, slurred speech and hazy memory will be counterproductive. They will also create the opportunity for some kind of disaster to happen, and will diminish your professionalism.
Know your opening and closing lines. Know exactly where you want to go, having written your last sentence first. Practice your opening statement; it'll get you going. Our research shows that you have two-to-five minutes grace before the critical mind of the audience kicks in.
Hold your position, just before you get up to speak, and say to yourself "I know what I'm going to say, and I'm glad for the chance to say it." The audience has some interest either in you or your subject matter, otherwise they would not be there.
Speak up. Talk a little louder than you think you have to. Most people speak far too softly and it sounds like they're mumbling.
Speaking up also helps you calm any anxiety or nervousness.
Have fun and get great results.
