Introduction
Preparation
Postcard Technique
Reducing your fears
Transparencies and handouts
Questions and answers
It might come as a surprise to you, and you may never have thought about it before, but everyone suffers from nerves when they are giving presentations. Here are some practical tips to help overcome the most common fears that people experience when they give a presentation.
Lack of Confidence
You cannot be anyone other than yourself, so use only those techniques that you are comfortable with in your presentation. Concentrate on identifying and using your best assets: perhaps you have a good, clear voice; perhaps you are especially good at telling humorous anecdotes; maybe you know everyone in your audience and can refer to them by name.
Excessive Nerves
Try to remain as calm as possible but it may be that you cannot relax or you forget what you are trying to say and dry up. Prepare by careful rehearsing, possibly in front of a mirror. Make sure that you can see your notes clearly at all times. Take a deep breath, control your breathing. Try to smile!
Being Heard
Speak loudly and clearly. If you are not used to doing this then practice at home. Try not to talk too quickly but remain alert and enthusiastic. Do not try to sound laid back or cool and avoid jokes unless they are really good and clean!
Sea of Faces
It can be terrifying to suddenly be confronted by a sea of expectant faces all looking at you. Arrive early and be in the room before everyone else; now it is your space! Smile at your audience as they arrive, greet them and take control.
Being Seen
Don't try to hide because there isn't anywhere! Be assertive, stand still and upright, and maintain eye contact with your audience. You cannot do this if you read from a prepared text; instead, you should prepare prompt cards each of which you can discard as you deal with the point that it covers. By all means use your hands for emphasis but avoid giving a semaphore display. (Consider making a video of yourself giving a practice presentation so that you can see yourself as your audience will see you.)
Audience are Bored
If your audience appear to lose interest and start fidgeting, if they become restless or if they even start to talk amongst themselves: make sure that the point you are trying to make is relevant, if it isn't, then cut it! Be enthusiastic for, and interested in your subject. Vary the pace of your presentation, the pitch and tone of your voice since these minor changes will keep your audience alert. Try to maintain eye contact with your audience.
The Audience is Hostile
If you are heckled and questions from the floor are hostile and aggressive in tone. Keep calm. Be polite and courteous. If the audience has specialist knowledge of the subject then consider deferring to them. Redirect difficult questions back to the audience in general.
Breakdown of Visual Aids
If equipment fails to work or you cannot remember how to use it. Avoid using equipment which you are not completely familiar with. Immediately before your presentation check that everything is working properly.