Presentation anxeity

[annavc]

Not sure this is in the right place but maybe someone can help. Got to give a presentation to just over 100 people tomorrow, it's not very long, but I've never had to do anything on this scale before and I'm getting really nervous. Does anyone have any good tips for overcoming the nerves and getting through this thing without going bright red in the face and starting to sweat which I do when I'm nervous/anxious etc.

Thanks.

[ali_alic]

I was told to imagine all the audience are naked! However that gave me other issues so didn't work. I find that by either a) concentrating on a point above their heads works for very large groups or b) picking out 3 people (on the right, in the middle and one on the left) and give the presentation as if you are only speaking to them works well for me. The last option also makes your presentation more personal and less stilted - giving you a much more proffessional air! Good luck with it.

[leandrews]

Just try to relax, people have to do all sorts of presentations everyday, and no one has died from it! :o)

One important thing to remember when you're actually presenting us to speak clearly and slowly. You've probably been going over and over your presentation and know most of it off the top of your head, but your audience has never heard it before, and will need to have everything clearly laid out for them.

Make sure you face your audience. I know it sounds daunting, but there's nothing worse than being spoken to by someone who's not even looking in your direction.

Just make sure you smile, everyone has to do presentations at some point, but a smile will give you confidence!

[stoo_pid]

Something that worked for me was to practice my presentation in the mirror. It took me sometime to get the hang of looking myself in the eye without stumbling over my words. However, once I was able to give myself the whole presentation I found it was so much easier to deliver it to a room full of people.

Also as leandrews says, make sure you speak clearly and slowly - concentrating on doing that will itself help you to stay calm & focussed.

Once last tip. As you stand up, imagine yourself to be really big (e.g. imagine you're standing in front of a class of primary school children) take a deep breath and start with a great big disarming SMILE! (don't forget to breathe out again! : - )

Good luck!

[Booldawg]

Know your material. Knowing your pres inside out is the key to confidence. Everything else will fall into place. you'll be so hyped up and the extra adrenalin will carry you through.

[jedimistress]

Try to remember that public speaking is the second biggest fear for many humans, the next biggest after dying. So you are not alone or the first to feel this way. It is normal. I think your nerves will subside once you have began your presentation. Good luck.

[annavc]

Thank you all so much for your suggestions and good wishes. I feel better about it now. I will remember to breathe deeply, practise some more, pick out a few people to focus on, speak clearly and slowly, smile, and imagine myself as a giant!

Thanks again everyone.