Just the thought of giving a business presentation gives you the jitters. You’re not alone, though. Glossophobia, the fear of public speaking, afflicts many Australians. That’s not to say you should give up on delivering an outstanding speech. You must follow in the steps of every great speaker who was once a nervous wreck like you.
The best approach to calming the nerves differs for every speaker. For example, some need silence to reach the right mental state, while others need music. What they all have in common is that they develop a unique personal ritual to practice before a presentation to help them get a good handle on their nerves.
Here are three valuable tips to help you calm yourself before the business meeting.
Rehearse Dutifully
While it may sound like a no-brainer, this step is worth mentioning. Rehearse your presentation several times in front of a mirror or a trusted group of peers. If rehearsing the whole production seems daunting, do it in segments.
Rehearsing helps you deliver your presentation without awkward mispronunciations and pauses. Practice until your lines sound natural. Eliminate filler words. Learn how to make your slide transitions sync with your speech. Ask yourself if you would be excitable to be part of the audience at your presentation.
Meditate and Do Breathing Exercises
Find somewhere quiet to sit and meditate on the main point of your presentation. Doing so helps you clear your mind of external distractions and fears you may have. To meditate effectively, sit comfortably in silence for 10 to 30 minutes before your presentation. Clear your mind and focus on your breath, keeping it deliberately to slow your heart rate and calm you down.
Breathing exercises can be beneficial in calming down nerves before a business meeting. Using your diaphragm also helps you project your voice powerfully and confidently while maintaining a steady pace. As you give your presentation, stand upright, feet shoulder-width apart, and keep your hands on your stomach as you draw your breaths.
Explore the Venue
Visit the venue before the presentation to get a sense of the atmosphere in the room. If possible, rehearse on the actual stage. It will help you become familiar with the space and learn the best movements for your presentation.
Speaking in a space you’re familiar with gives you more confidence. If it’s impossible to practice at the venue, find or request photos of the area to help you familiarise yourself with it.
Nerve-racking as it is, public speaking can be fulfilling as you share your view with many others. Find opportunities to practice and experiment with different tips and techniques. It also helps to find a meeting room hire to impress your guests and give you credibility. The Playford Hotel Adelaide, MGallery By Sofitel first-class function rooms offer such a space.
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