There are a number of ways to differentiate yourself in the firm, and one of them is showcasing your expertise or accomplishments before peers or managers. Thus, preparation for a workplace presentation is imperative to reach the workplace on time confident and assertive.
And this preparation entails some steps: producing interesting content, pronouncing clearly, organizing thoughts clearly and pedagogically, and grasping the audience’s attention. But how do you achieve this if you fear public speaking or are unable to manage your emotions?
Presenting is hard for most, but it’s what one has to do. Beyond being usually required, it’s a time for professionals to shine. As such, learning to get around these fears will make you feel more confident and competent, and can create a positive perception of your work.
How to overcome the fear of public speaking?
I assure you that you are not alone if you are hesitant to speak in front of others, even during a routine team meeting. Many people suffer from this phobia and are ultimately overpowered by anxiety, shame, or the possibility of being judged and criticized.
There are instances where the fear becomes so severe that it becomes glossophobia. Professional assistance from a psychologist or psychiatrist is required in these situations. However, even if it’s not a fear, symptoms like tremors or heavy perspiration can make it difficult for the professional to do their job well. To overcome this fear, follow these steps:
Practice
Start with simpler things, like giving your opinion during a team meeting. Public speaking is a skill and, as such, improves with practice, so start with smaller steps until you gain confidence.
Breathe
It may seem silly, but it’s no wonder that breathing techniques are part of relaxation and meditation processes. By controlling our breathing, we direct our thoughts and focus solely on the body’s movements. This helps us calm down and relax .
Observe
Another thing that can help in this process is observing how other people behave. Do they move their hands? Ask questions? Elevate their posture? Start observing other people speaking in public and try to absorb their movements.
How to prepare for a presentation at work?
If your first presentation doesn’t go as planned, don’t be too hard on yourself because public speaking is a process. It becomes simpler with time since, as we’ve said, practice makes perfect. This is not an excuse for not preparing for a presentation.
Relevant questions may come up throughout a presentation, whether you’re speaking to a huge group of people or a room full of management from your organization. Additionally, your approach may or may not grab the audience’s attention. Here’s how to get ready before your presentation:
1 – Recognize the presentation’s goal.
There are many types of presentations: monthly results for the team, quarterly results for the company, project presentation, product launch, sharing a success story at events.
Before even creating a presentation, you need to understand its purpose, as this will define important aspects such as the need for graphics or design, in addition to becoming the central focus of the speech itself.
2 – Structure the content well
Even if your visuals aren’t bulleted, use them to structure your speech. Generally, a presentation is like telling a story: find your beginning and develop your ideas progressively.
Also understand which aspects to prioritize and, whenever possible, support the information you’re sharing with examples, concrete data, and success stories.
3 – Forget the slides
Yes, that’s right. When you’re presenting in front of everyone, it’s best not to focus on the slides. This visual aid is widely used because it helps summarize the idea being presented and, for the speaker, serves as a specific aid.
Not all of your speech should be written on the slide; on the contrary, the visuals should simply corroborate what is being said.
4 – Master the content
This is arguably the most crucial piece of advice: if you don’t know what you’re doing, it will not go well. In the first place, a lack of mastery will make your posture more introverted and unconfident.
As previously said, the slide serves as a support tool, and the speaker must be able to carry on with their presentation in the event that the visual aid malfunctions. As a result, writing a screenplay and then thoroughly practicing it is also advised.
Don’t be scared to give your speech in front of a mirror; pay attention to your posture, change the tone of your voice, and have a friendly attitude.
