10 Simple Tips To Better Presentations Today!

Do you dread speaking in-front of a crowd? Do you get anxious? Are you so nervous that your stomach crawls?
If you answered yes to the above then this is the article for you. Using the tips below can give your presentation skills the boost its been wanting.

Welcome to another Personal Horizon article here at The New Horizon Life! Today’s article is geared towards preparing you for speeches or presentations.

Let’s face it, most people do not like speaking in public or in-front of crowds. Yes, we enjoy speaking to close friends, family or even colleagues. This comes easy and natural to us as these persons are familiar. Additionally, people you are accustomed to bring a sense of comfort which makes it easy to converse. You are not to concerned if you make a mistake while in the presence of such people.

However when the lime light is shone only on you, then the pressure begins. What happens when you are placed in the role of having to speak or present in a formal setting. Stage fright can be paralyzing to some. Added to this and what makes it more difficult is that we become quite conscious.

I have had the pleasure of speaking to audiences, many of which were all strangers to me. I remember the very first time I had to speak to an audience just over 700 persons. Surprisingly it was all new to me. Especially since I wasn’t exposed to such a enormous congregation previously. Just the thought of having to present was terrifying. Undoubtedly the night before the presentation was sleepless. Resulting in me toss and turning till day break.

Eventually, as time goes by it has become so much better and now I am able to present to large crowds with ease. To be honest just before going on stage to speak there are still some butterflies. But, they’re nowhere near what I experienced in my early years

Below I have itemized some helpful tips. These are sequential and can be used as a guide from the days leading up to the event and on the day itself. These are tips that I have used personally and have been practicing for over fifteen years. Do enjoy as you read. Please share with your friends, family and even colleagues as this will sure boost their public speaking ability. Here are 10 Simple Tips to Better Presentations Today!

Prepare Your Content Well Before The Big Day.

A presentation generally has a theme to focus on. Alternatively presenters maybe asked talk about any topic in their area of expertise. Once you’ve decided on what the content would be then it’s time to put pen to paper. Additionally I may say put fingers to keys. The most important of a presentation or even a pitch meeting is the content.

The audience is there for the content and the information shared. It is critical to prepare. If you execute the preparation well then that’s half of the already work done. The only thing left is to present it to others.
On the other hand if you do not prepare well and decide to wing it on stage, then you open yours
Double check to ensure that there are not omissions or errors.

Practice Your Speech.

Now that you’ve decided on a topic and have written it, it’s time to practice. The phrase, “Practice make perfect,” is no exception here. Use it as a rehearsal for the big day. Likewise, the more you practice the faster you will internalize the content. Further to, practicing will help to lower nervousness on the day.

There maybe jitters just before you get on stage but because you would have prepared, it will give the confidence boost needed for delivery. Ideally you should practice your presentation to you family. Experts say that if you can present to your family, then you can present to anyone.

Avoid Spicy Foods.

The statement says it all. On the days leading up to and on the day of your presentation avoid eating peppery foods. Even if you’re able to withstand significant level in the scale my best. Keep away from spicy food at least two days prior to you speaking. Sometimes nervousness causes one to feel stomach sick. The feeling of stomach sick combined with spicy food can create an episode resulting in your sprinting to the restroom.

Intentionally scrutinize what you eat to ensure that you do not eat things that will cause stomach irritations.
Additionally there are medical studies that suggests that stage fright or nervousness can cause abdominal distress. Having a a medical condition and eating spicy food can compound the effects. In a nutshell, keep away from food that is spicy or that may lead to irritable bowel movements.

Go To Bed Early.

You will be standing in front of a crowd. Additionally there maybe members of the press or the event maybe live streamed. Your loved ones should any accompany you would want to take photos of you, This means you will be in front or many camera. You do not want to look tired or exhausted in front for the crowd. Looking your very best begins with a good night’s rest.

Remember To Set Multiple Alarms.

You will already be nervous as it. No need for added anxiety. Turning up late can have detrimental consequences. Ideally your thoughts must be centered. You do not want anything to throw off the thoughts that you gathered. You want to be collected and well articulated. All the hard work and preparation is negated should anxiousness arise from being late. If you are one to hit the snooze button, it is therefore highly recommended that you set multiple alarms. As a result, the chance you of being late is minimized.

Arrive At The Venue Before Time.

Being late to the event you are speaking at can have frantic and prevent you from being your best. As mentioned being late can severely affect your delivery as a presenter. Ensure that you arrive at the venue at least thirty minutes prior to speaking. This provides the time for you to acclimatize to the venue and its environment. Even more-so important especially when it’s the first time you are at that venue.

While you’re acclimatizing, you get a feel of the audience and the settings. Take a look at the room size, stage area, podium size, audience seating arrangement and so on. As you adjust to the surroundings, you will become increasingly comfortable thus boosting your confidence resulting in captivating delivery and an exceptional presentation.

Have Something To Eat and Drink Before The Presentation.

Before the presentation, you may not have food on your mind. Nervousness can cause lower appetite levels as stated by the. However it is essential that you have something to eat and drink at least and hour before getting on stage. Even if you are not feeling hungry have something small that will sustain you. You do not want your blood sugar running low during the speech and fainting in front of the audience.

It doesn’t have to be a big meal. A simple snack such as fruit, nuts crackers, bagels, smoothies and sandwiches to name a few
Put it on the checklist and prioritize that you have something to eat before you take the stage.

Find Someone In The Audience.

Take someone with you. Either a friend or colleague, spouse or family member. If it not possible to take someone with you, then find someone in the audience who is into your presentation. During the presentation, scan the audience. Should your eyes notice an individual who seems engrossed in what is being said then this can be an asset. Such persons have good body language and help to provide comfort to a nervous presenter.

They unknowingly motivate as you are presenting. Without realizing it, these individuals spur the presenter on. It’s hard to describe, but somehow you feel as though the words you are saying is of great importance. Other times these treasures in the crowd bring a sense of peace and comfort to an anxious presenter. They rid you of stomach bugs and provides a breath of fresh air.

Just Be You.

The key to success is to just be yourself. Don’t try to be anyone else. Let the words you are saying emanate from you. It’s funny how people can pick up on whether we are genuine or not. It takes just a few minutes for the audience to identify the speaker in the message. Those in attendance will be more inclined to accept what is said when it comes from the presenter.

The American Psychological Association recommends that you keep it simple. One way of achieving this is to imagine that you are going to present to your grandmother. Wouldn’t you be able to be yourself around your grandmother? It comes naturally and easy to speak to a grandma as there is a great deal of comfort.

Include humor in your Presentation. Laughter is good for the soul. Is scientifically proven that laughter relaxes the audience? People become more receptive. Laughter makes the presenter more personable. In increases the happy emotions in the body called endorphins. As a result the crowd gathered comfortable and the experience becomes more enjoyable. Also, it will help lower any nervousness that you the presenter may have. Consequently allowing for a smoother and impactful presentation.

Even If You Mess Up, Be Confident.

The best of persons can seldom mess up when presenting. Yet the audience does not realize it. Would you like to know the secret? It’s simply that no one knows there made a mistake or fumble. Sometimes when you mess up, you’re the only person that knows about it. It is important to just keep going. Shake it off, recover and continue chugging through the presentation.

Final Thoughts

Have you ever had to speak to in front of a crowd? What was the experience like? Have you tried any of the ideas discussed in the article? Share you thought’s in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!

This has been 10 Simple Tips to Better Presentations Today! Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest and Instagram for more Personal Horizon Tips as we press on to The New Horizon Life.