Got a big presentation coming up? It is perfectly natural to feel anxious about this, and even experienced and confident professionals can feel nervous about a presentation. Preparation is the key to easing anxiety and performing well, so this post will offer advice on how to prepare successfully so you can feel your most confident on the day. This includes information on presenting in the modern era, which can involve both in-person and online presentations. Read on to find out more.
Start with Structure
First, you should consider the structure of your presentation . Map out the key plots that you want to make, anticipate audience questions, and release transitions. Giving your presentation a solid structure boosts clarity and reduces last-minute stress, as you always know what comes next.
Practice with Purpose
Like most things in life, practice does make perfect. Practicing your presentation will help ensure that it runs smoothly, but it will also lower anxiety because you will know the content, so you have a steady flow when presenting, which in turn will ease your nerves as you go on. Rehearsing is not just about memorising the words but also considering the tone, timing, and delivery. It is a good idea to record yourself presenting, present in front of loved ones so that you are used to doing it in front of an audience, and practicing in a realistic setting, such as a professional meeting room.
Create the Right Environment
The setting can have a huge impact on your confidence; this is why it is helpful to present in a quiet, well-equipped space which should also be the case for the practising environment. It is also helpful to familiarise yourself with the space where you will be presenting, so if possible, spend time in the room and envision yourself presenting in front of a group of people. Positive visualisation can be a surprisingly powerful tool.
Stay Grounded on the Day
It is normal for anxiety and stress to spike on the big day, so be prepared for this. There are a few useful techniques for lowering nerves, such as breathing exercises , arriving at the place you will be presenting early (but not too early!), and positive visualisation as above. Focus on connection with the audience rather than perfection, and try to slow down. Finally, have something to look forward to after the presentation, such as a nice meal with a loved one or an exciting new purchase.
Presentations can be incredibly stressful and cause a great deal of anxiety. This is perfectly natural and very common, but you will always want to do everything you can to reduce this anxiety and present with confidence. Preparation is the key to success, so this post should help you both prepare the perfect presentation as well as feel confident on the day. Once you know how to prepare a presentation and reduce stress, they can become a lot easier over time.
