(Five now and five more later this week!)
Public speaking is one of the most common fears people face, and if you’re someone who dreads speaking to groups, you’re not alone. Never in a million years did I think I’d be a professional speaker as a career. I used to get absolutely queasy before having to speak to even the smallest group!
Whether it’s a company presentation, a client pitch, or even speaking up in a meeting, the anxiety can be overwhelming. But public speaking doesn’t have to be a terrifying experience. With a few practical tips, you can manage your nerves and deliver an effective presentation—even if you hate doing it.
Here’s how to make the process smoother:
1. Co-Present Whenever Possible
Co-presenting not only breaks up the presentation but also gives you a chance to collect your thoughts while the other person speaks. It’s a great way to balance nerves and share the responsibility.
If speaking solo makes you feel like you’re under a spotlight, find a partner to share the load. Co-presenting can ease the pressure, allowing you to relax while someone else takes part of the presentation.
2. Avoid Caffeine (and Other Food/Drinks) an Hour Before
Caffeine can amplify feelings of nervousness, and a full stomach can make you feel sluggish or queasy. You want to feel calm and focused.
3. Practice, but Don’t Over-Practice
Knowing your material well gives you confidence, but keeping a conversational tone helps you connect with the audience. Aim for familiarity, not perfection. Preparation is key, but there’s a fine line between being prepared and over-rehearsing. Over-practicing can make you sound robotic and increase anxiety if you stumble over a memorized line.
4. Try Not to Rely on Notes
But if you must, don’t write your notes verbatim. Use bullet points so you aren’t reading from a script. It’ll make you sound far more conversational if you use bullet points to cue your thoughts.
5. Limit Slides to Five Words Each
– Why it works: It forces you to stay concise and makes your presentation more dynamic. Instead of focusing on reading, you’ll focus on speaking and connecting with your audience. Also, if your audience is reading your slide, they’re not paying attention to you.
I learned this tip a decade ago from my friend, Dan Yaman, and it’s served me well. If it requires more than five words, it requires more than one slide! When it comes to presentation slides, less is more. Cramming slides with text not only makes them hard to see, but also increases the temptation for you to read directly from them, which can disengage your audience. Have a quote you want to read? Don’t put it verbatim on the slide! Use a notecard – it’s much better than reading your slide. The results might just surprise you—and your audience.
If you enjoyed these tips, please join me later when I post the remaining list.
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