7 SUPER FIRE TIPS TO OVERCOME PRESENTATION ANXIETY

Presentation and performance anxiety is a condition that many people go through. This condition is so pervasive that we sometimes even the most confident seeming people have this hidden fear of presentation and public speaking. Increased pulse rate, sweaty palms, blood rushing to the face, butterflies in the stomach, and trembling voice are some of the common problems connected to this anxiety. People also seem to stammer when confronted with such a situation. So why is this fear so prominent?

Usually, this fear is connected to self-consciousness and performance anxiety. Lack of practice and the fear of getting ridiculed and judged are also some factors that contribute to presentation anxiety. For an introverted person, such situations are even more nerve-wracking.

Although presentation anxiety can be developed due to several reasons, overcoming this fear is not an impossible task. Here are some techniques that can help you in being more self-confident and acing the presentation performance effortlessly:-

1) PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

Facing anything unprepared relays a lot of burden on a person. One needs to be familiar with the methods involved before giving the final performance. Unpreparedness not only affects the performance but also creates a wrong impression in front of the teachers or judges. Here are a few aspects connected to the practice involved in the presentation:-

• Practice in the same venue where you will be giving your final performance. Being familiar with the surroundings can significantly help in reducing the presentation anxiety.
• Practice in front of a mirror or record your presentation practices. Go through your recorded video and analyze yourself.
• Practice the answers to possible questions. Go through the material and ponder over the potential problems that may arise. You can also take the help of your friends or family members and encourage them to ask their doubts and questions related to your presentation.
• Enquire about the tools that will be used in the present and practice with them.
• Try to get the maximum knowledge on the subject matter so that you can handle even the most complex questions.
• Also, create a backup plan. Think about all the possible scenarios that can go wrong with your practice and make an effective recovery plan.

2) REDIRECT YOUR NERVOUSNESS

Redirect your nervousness, and do not waste your energy in overthinking. Channel your energy into something more substantial, like your body language and your hand-gestures. Instead of worrying about other people’s judgment, think about yourself and your subject matter. In short, focus the attention on yourself. Anxiety is usually caused due to overthinking and speculating other people’s opinions about us. This subsequently leads to nervousness. Therefore, be more self-conscious and learn to appreciate yourself. The way you perceive yourself is the way that others will see you. If you are confident, people will form a good impression of you.

3) VISUALIZE

Scan your audience and analyze them. Look for the friendlier faces and the ones who are paying attention. Make good eye contact with everyone to improve the engagement and reach a larger group of people. When people feel more interested, they will ask more questions that will boost up your confidence. Asking doubts is a good sign which should not be seen in a negative light. It indicates that the audience found your presentation engaging and wish to know more about the same.

4) FORCE YOURSELF TO ACT CONFIDENTLY

By making more eye contact, engaging with the audience, and maintain and functional body language, you can portray confidence. This will make your presentation more impact and far-reaching.

5) PRACTICE BREATHING TECHNIQUES

Breathing at a proper pace can calm your mind and make you feel less anxious. If you feel unsettled, then close your eyes and take deep breaths. This will make you more alert and help you reduce the stress and the anxiety connected.

6) PREPARE YOUR AUDIENCE

To lighten the mood and make a connection with the audience, begin the presentation by cracking a joke. Interact with the audience and establish a good rapport. This will make you feel complacent, and you will also be able to grab the attention of the audience members.

CONCLUSION

The most confident and successful performance loves presenting themselves in front of a massive crowd. They do not crave attention, but they love and enjoy the work that they do. The kind of attitude and passion that you have towards yourself and your work, your audience will have the same towards you, and they will feel more connected. Once you learn to love your work, all the above mention tips and techniques will come to you naturally.