Anxiety

For many people the fear of public speaking is much greater than the fear of going to the dentist or even the fear of dying. This anxiety can really hamper some people to the extent where the physical symptoms overshadow the presentation and become the main problem.
Presentation anxiety is by far the most common of all the phobias. It affects all but the most seasoned presenters. The trembling hands, increased heartbeat, and blushing is actually caused by a build-up of adrenaline in the body and can cause additional symptoms from sweating to nausea.

However, there are ways to prevent your body from betraying you;

Things to Remember

  1. It's mostly in the Mind. You only think everyone can see your anxiety, but in fact 90% of nervousness doesn't actually show. Most of the symptoms of nervousness: butterflies, sweaty palms, accelerated heartbeat, etc., are completely internal. If possible, use a lectern, or podium. This will provide a stable focal point and will prevent the audience from being able to see shaky hands.
 
  1. Embrace the stress. Accept nervousness for what it is, part of the preparation for speaking and it is a good thing. Nerves (stress) create useful energy for the talk. They heighten your senses and gets your blood pumping. Use this as positive energy. (See point # 8)
 
  1. Summarise. Don't write out your entire presentation. Make brief notes to jog your memory. Reading a presentation word for word will make it sound flat and characterless thus, adding to your anxiety.
 
  1. Familiarise. Get there early, this will help you to become familiar with room assignments, equipment, set- up, and so forth. It will also allow you an opportunity to mingle with your audience. This may be your only opportunity to do so as some participants may have to leave early.
 
  1. It's all in the eyes. As you approach the front, make eye contact with a few friendly faces in the audience. You can later look to those individuals and others during the presentation. Really look at the audience as you talk to them Engaging them directly with your eyes transfers a bit of your nervous energy to them and keeps them focused on your content. Making eye contact says that you are in charge of the room and for a presentation.
 
  1. Speak from Authority. Speaking on or presenting a subject after having done little research will increase your anxiety. If you are asked to present about a topic, the main reason should be because you are the most qualified person to speak on the topic. You are qualified because of your experience. The more familiar you are with the subject matter, the more the material will just come to you and help you overcome nervousness.
 
  1. Pace Yourself. Speak a bit more slowly and deliberately than you do in normal conversation so your points will be clear. Use easy-to-follow sentences as though you were responding to a colleague or friend when asked, "How's the project going?" This will allow you to deliver your topic in a natural way that makes the audience feel as if you are talking to each person directly.
 
  1. Be Enthusiastic. : If you're not excited about your topic, no one else will be either. Your lack of excitement will show and no matter how knowledgeable you are of the subject matter, your presentation will not go very well. If you give your audience energy, that energy will return to you.
 
  1. Keep to your allotted time. With your adrenaline racing you may not be aware of the time, but the audience members will be more relaxed and therefore their attentions spans limited. Conclude your presentation early if possible. People appreciate it if you end early because you've said all you need to say. This also shows respect for your audience's time. This will also leave them wanting more information.