Being able to present well is vital for your business’ growth.  In these “austerity times” feeling confident in your ability to present effectively is crucial for business success.  We have talked at length about key elements of good presentation (see other blog posts).  Here is a short list of things you can do without having to spend any money…only your time…

• Be “grounded” – Stand in a neutral position (don’t lean to one side – watch sinking into your hips) with your legs shoulder-width apart.  Make sure your knees are not locked, but you feel comfortable.  This will really help you feel in control of your body.  Not shifting about will also give others a sense of your personal presence.
• Breathe into your belly – We in the acting fraternity call this diaphragmatic breathing.  Essentially it is breathing deeply.  Keep your shoulders level.  Practice at home; breathe into your belly whilst lying on your back on the floor.  Notice you diaphragm moving.  Yoga works well for this.  Belly breathing will help dilute the nerves.
• Rehearse out loud – Going through any presentation in your head is no good.  You need to say it out loud so you know when to breathe, pause, emphasises a word to make a point etc.
• Pausing – Allow the audience some time to think about what you are saying.  Pausing is very powerful in demonstrating your confidence in what you are saying – think dramatic pause.  This then gives you time to belly breathe.
• Know your audience – Who are you speaking to?  Is your language and tone congruent with your audience?  E.g. are you talking to a group of HR Specialists or are you talking to a group of young mothers?
• Vocal dexterity – Get your smart phone out and record yourself (frightful we know).  Is there variation in your tone?  Practice using your voice indifferent ways.  A great way to notice tonal variation is telling stories to kids and recording it.  Play it back, notice the difference.  This is the vocal range you can work in.
• Drink water not coffee – Ever experienced “dry mouth” during a presentation?  Had a cup of coffee before?  The caffeine combined with the dairy products will only increase that “dry mouth” feeling.  Avoid coffee and dairy products the hour before any presentation.  Drink water!
• Get technology sorted – Check and check again if you are using technology.  Have a back up of the back-up in case that doesn’t work.  Ideally a reassuring back-up involves no technology!
• Practice – Practice makes perfect!  Presenting brilliantly is a skill, and so get out there and do it.  Your skills will improve and your confidence increase!

Let us know how you get on.  Come back here every month and get more…