If you struggle with public speaking and presentations, you're far from alone.
I was working on the art with a group of high powered executives from a very big company last week.
All but one admitted presenting and speaking in public made them very nervous, and they worried about their abilities.
(And the one who said he was fine turned out not to be so, anyway!)
I've worked with so many people who struggle with the public speaking thing, and often they're in suprisingly prominent positions.
So here's my single, simple, easy but effective best tip to help if you need a hand on the presentations front.
- Because I'm a writer, and you're busy, fair warning here.
I like to do my reveals at the end, as in the classic crime story style, when the killer is finally unmasked.
So, I'll give you my super tip when we get to the denouement of this blog.
But first, the big build up. All the problems it can solve for you.
As ever, the story works better if you'd kindly read through before skipping to the end for the reveal!
Public, Um... Public, Err... Public Speaking, And, Um, Err... Presentations
My hilarious heading hopefully captures a big problem that many people suffer with public speaking.
It's probably the most common I help with.
We're talking, um, err... redundancies.
Sentences littered with, um... ums and errs.
(Ok, I'll stop now.)
It's only a small thing, but few issues are so effective at immediately putting an audience on edge.
Redundancies betray a lack of confidence and authority.
If you don't believe in what you're saying, how can an audience?
But fear not, help is at hand.
This tip of mine solves the problem in an instant.
(And don't worry, this insight of mine isn't simply throwing a strange pose, like me in full presentation mode in the picture!)
The Voice Of Authority
This is another big issue which is very common among people trying to improve their public speaking and presentations.
Their voices let them down.
They believe they're too high pitched and thin to be authoritative.
A related issue is that often the voice doesn't carry well enough to command an audience, so they need help with projection.
This little tip of mine can solve the voice issue too.
(I know you're tempted to scroll to the end, but stay with me, please... the storytelling works much better that way!)
Public Speaking Nerves
Everyone, but everyone, suffers with nerves when they're speaking in public, or giving a presentation.
In fact, nerves are perfectly natural and should be embraced.
They're your body's way of giving you energy and edge, and getting you ready to perform.
But I know what you're thinking.
Too much in the way of nerves can wreck your performance, which is absolutely true.
Well, guess what?
This incredible tip of mine can help deal with nerves too.
(I know you're tempted but don't scroll on just yet... we're almost at the big reveal, I promise!)
Going Blank
Another very common problem, and a fearful one at that...
As everyone stares at you, and you mouth silently like a fish that's had a shock, feeling as though you're dissolving in front of the audience's eyes.
Would you believe it, this tip can even help here as well.
Audience Experience
This is the last tease before the big reveal, I promise.
Put this insight of mine into action, and the audience will enjoy your presentation a whole lot better.
They're also far more likely to believe in what you say, and remember it.
Which finally brings us to...
That Amazing Public Speaking And Presentations Tip Finally Revealed
Ok, it's the moment at last.
With all due fanfare, 21 gun salute, and fly past from the Red Arrows...
Here's the miracle tip to help you zap all the common problems, above, with one mighty blow.
And it's this:
- Slow down
Yes, it's as simple as that. Just in case you're thinking it's all a mistake, I'll say it again:
Slow down.
Slowing down can remove redundancies at a stroke, and greatly eases the chances of going blank.
Try it. You'd be amazed what giving yourself a little more space to think, and remember what's coming next, can achieve.
You can also breathe more deeply when you slow down, which helps with the nerves.
It has the added advantage of deepening your voice, making it more commanding.
And it helps with projection, too.
Even better, overall the audience experience is far better.
You come across as much more cool, confident and convincing in your public speaking and presentations.
All from simply slowing down.
If there was a miracle cure for presentation problems, I'd say this is it.
One further thing to add:
It might feel as though you're going artificially slowly, which is something many people worry about, but I promise it won't to the audience.
And that's what matters.
Don't forget they benefit from a little more time to consider what you're saying, understand, and take it in.
The slowing down trick has worked with more people than I can remember, many being absolutely delighted at the results, so please, give it a try on me.
And when you do, even after just rehearsing into your phone at home, get in touch and let me know how it felt.
I always appreciate enjoying the warm glow of having done someone a good turn!