The presentation of an idea is the deciding factor in its success. Because of this, the same amount of emphasis should be placed on the presentation as is placed on the idea. Most presentations fail not due to a lack of quality content, but from the lack of the ability to control anxiety. The correct preparation, both physically and mentally, will go a long way in making sure anxiety is not a factor in the overall success of your business presentation.
1- Be Your Own Audience First
Your own brain knows when you make a mistake before anyone else does. The last thing you want to be focused on is how something you just said did not sound like you originally intended. The main way to avoid this is to take both audio and video recordings of yourself giving the presentation. Be very intimate with both how you look and how you sound in relation to your content, so it is not a surprise when the time comes.
2- Study the Masters
If this is your first or 100th presentation, it helps to watch others who are doing the same work as you. Seeing how others present business ideas, or professionals will provide new ideas and keep your mind focused on the task that lies in front of you. Being your own audience is important, but it is also beneficial to be in the audience.
3- Know Your Audience
It is likely that you will have an idea of some people who will be in your audience. With everyone on social media these days, it is easy to find out more about them than just a job title and where they work. Learn any personal details about people in your audience, if possible, without crossing the line of personal intrusion. Talking to Bob, who is looking forward to baseball season, is much easier than talking to Chief Executive Robert Smith who is judging your every word.
4- Avoid Physical Discomfort
Is it important to have a healthy meal and be hydrated, so that hunger or thirst isn’t a distraction while giving your presentation? Yes, it is. It is most important, however, to know how putting both food and liquids in your body affects you physically. Do not put yourself in a position where you feel physical discomfort because you feel weighed down or because you are thinking about a bathroom break. You know your body best, so give special attention to what makes you feel most comfortable physically.
5- Be Fun
Nobody is going to take seriously a clown giving a business presentation, but nobody remembers boring. Boredom is hard to hide and seeing it on the faces of your audience can cause anxiety. Avoid this dilemma by adding a joke or personal anecdote to the information you are presenting. It will make the presentation more memorable and make you more relatable. This will create a more relaxing environment for everyone.
Giving a business presentation can be a stressful time because they generally come with a lot of extra pressure like hitting a sales quota or getting a job promotion. Use these above ways to help calm your nerves before a business presentation so you can rock your presentation.
