Presentation Skills

Making presentations or delivering speeches in front of other people can be intimidating.

It is normal to feel nervous in these moments, and many of us will report feeling light headed, breathless, a racing heart, wet palms and a dry mouth when making a speech.

These are the physical symptoms of stress and anxiety. In times of stress, our bodies are designed to either ‘fight or flight’.

When our mind judges a situation to be dangerous or threatening, it sends a message to our body that it must get ready to either escape that situation as fast as possible, or stand and protect itself. However, making a speech or presentation is not a threat to your life, and the message from your brain to your body is not useful.

So, next time you have stand in front of people and talk, slow the moment down, take long deep breaths, close your eyes and correct your mind by letting your body know that you don’t have to fight or flight, and that you will not die in this situation.

It is useful to be well prepared when making a presentation. But remember, no one knows what you have prepared, and remembering speeches verbatim is not essential.

During your presentation, make sure that you keep your hands and feet planted; fidgeting will send the message to your audience and your own body that you are nervous.

And most important, don’t forget to smile.