Do you need a speaker for an event? Contact Trevor Ketler now :

Phone: +27 11 468 1320
Fax: +27 11 468 2512
Mobile: +27 82 447 5150
Email: trevor@ketler.co.za

Articles

Get rid of Nerves when making a Presentation

I have been asked on numerous occasions how to best remedy nerves before a presentation. Feeling nervous is natural but there are some simple strategies you can apply before you start your talk to help control the nerves and make you feel more relaxed. Controlled nerves can be converted into enthusiasm or excitement, whereas excessive nervousness may have a negative effect on your performance. Here are some tips to assist in controlling those nerves.

Nervousness causes physiological reactions which are mostly attributed to the increase of adrenaline in your system. You can counteract these effects with a few simple techniques:

Practice deep breathing

Adrenalin causes you to breathe shallowly. By breathing deeply into your stomach will give your brain the oxygen it needs and the slower pace will trick your body into believing you are calmer. It also helps with voice quivers, which can occur when your breathing is irregular.

Drink water

Adrenalin can cause a dry mouth, which in turn leads to getting tongue-tied. Have a glass of water handy. Take sips occasionally. Never consume more water prior to your presentation than you would normally drink on a daily basis – or this may lead you to rush your presentation so that you can relieve yourself.

Smile

This is a natural relaxant that sends positive chemicals through your body.

Project your voice

A louder voice will take you outside your comfort zone immediately and allow you to relax as it gives the feeling that you are in control.

Move around during your presentation

Move only if it is a purposeful movement. This will expend some of your nervous energy as well as make your talk come alive.

Stop Thinking About Yourself

Remember that the audience is there to get some information and you are the subject expert. So see yourself as the expert.

Earn the right to present

Know at least 10 times more about the topic than what you are going to present. Never present more information than is necessary as it may confuse the audience.

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

Once you know what you are going to say, prepare yourself for the actual delivery.

Decide what you are going to wear - make it comfortable and appropriate
Arrive at the venue early and get your equipment set up and make sure that everything is working prior to the audience arriving
Anticipate problems and have backups and contingencies in place in case something doesn't work, you forget something, etc
If possible, give everything one last run-through in the real environment.

Rehearse

Avoid memorising your presentation. Never learn by rote rather, visualise pictures that represent various items in your content, and then create a memory stack.

Demand a positive mindset

Remind yourself of all the previous positive experiences you have had and that today is no different.

Subscribe to our newsletter and receive up to date information on our courses and more.

BEE accreditation

View our BEE certificate
(PDF 46KB)

Are you looking for a venue?

Visit Baobab Conference Centre today for more information!