Prefer to lie in the casket than read the eulogy? Emma Collingwood gives her advice on how to tackle presentations like a pro.
You walk out on stage. A sea of faces look up at you.
Your palms feel sweaty. Your heart is racing. Your mouth goes dry. You’re questioning why you are there. And you definitely don’t remember what you’re going to say.
Glossophobia – the fear of public speaking – affects three in four people. You are not alone.
Well, you don’t need to be, anyway.
Over the past year I’ve trained dozens of professionals of all levels to help them hone their presenting technique. Our bespoke presentation and storytelling training programme is designed to equip delegates of any level with the skills and techniques to conquer their fears and speak in public, with confidence.
Here are my five top tips for anyone looking for a quick fix when it comes to presenting with ease:
Every good presenter has a story to tell.
Whether you’re speaking at an industry conference or simply to your team, start by crafting your story. Think about the beginning, the middle and the end.
And inject it with personal anecdotes, showcasing your experience and personality.
Draw your story to a strong close. Think about your key takeaways. What do you want people to do, or how do you want them to feel when you’re finished?
It may be tempting to start with your slide deck, but slides are a supporting device not the main character. Always start by writing your story out with a pen and paper.
Only when your story is clear should you turn to slides.
Slides should be used to bring your story to life visually. Simple and uncluttered slides work most effectively. And think about how your audience will be viewing them.
The average human attention span is just 8.25 seconds.
Strip back the detail. Focus on the salient points. Don’t be afraid of silence or white space.
Before you go out on stage, take a moment to decompress and ground yourself. And while you’re speaking, make sure you remember to breathe. Simple – yet often forgotten.
Box breathing – inhale for a count of four, hold for a count of four, exhale for a count of four, hold for a count of four – is a technique so adept at calming the central nervous system it’s used by Navy SEALs to steady themselves before going into combat.
Embrace your own style of public speaking. Remember that everyone is different. There is no right or wrong.
Take the time to watch clips online of brilliant public speakers and see which elements resonate with you and how you feel comfortable.
Are you a Steve Jobs style speaker pacing the stage with a clicker in hand? Or more of an Obama, anchored to the lectern?
Our extensive training programme covers everything from unpicking the fabric of Hollywood’s best stories, to finding tools to identify your key messages and story thread, and practical tips on how to overcome nerves, present data in a visually appealing way and craft a killer slide deck.
Whether you are presenting to an audience of thousands, pitching to a room of senior leaders, joining a panel discussion, or just want to speak to your team with aplomb – there’s something for you.
More than 100 executives across tech, advertising, financial services, real estate and FMCG businesses have already undertaken our training. Why not join them? For more information, contact: training@firstlightgroup.io.