10 Tips for overcoming public speaking and presentation anxiety

Summary

In this video, Michael Goul, the Presentation Pro, shares 10 practical techniques to overcome the anxiety caused by the 'brain bully' during public speaking. From memorizing your intro and outro to focusing on key points and breathing exercises, these strategies aim to boost confidence and reduce stress. Goul emphasizes the power of authenticity, eye contact, and even smiling to help you connect with your audience. With these simple yet effective tips, you'll be well-equipped to handle any presentation with poise and assurance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Practice is key: Rehearse your presentation multiple times to build confidence and reduce anxiety.
• 😀 Memorize the beginning and end: Having a solid opening and closing will help you navigate the nervous moments.
• 😀 Keep it simple: Focus on delivering a few key points rather than overwhelming your audience with excessive information.
• 😀 Focus on the content, not the delivery: Confidence in your material is more important than worrying about props or slides.
• 😀 Try Square Breathing: Use breathing exercises to calm your nerves and relax before presenting.
• 😀 Smile to reduce stress: Smiling can trigger endorphins, lower blood pressure, and help you connect with the audience.
• 😀 Bring a photo for motivation: A picture of your loved ones or something that makes you happy can help you start strong.
• 😀 Meet the audience: Interact with as many people as possible before your presentation to reduce the feeling of talking to strangers.
• 😀 Make eye contact: Look at individual people to create a more personal connection and reduce stage fright.
• 😀 Be yourself: Authenticity is more impactful than trying to be a professional or overly slick presenter.

Q & A

What is the 'brain bully' mentioned in the video?

The 'brain bully' refers to the negative voice in your head that causes self-doubt and anxiety before public speaking or presentations. It's the internal critic that tells you you're going to fail or embarrass yourself.

Why is practicing your presentation so important?

Practicing helps you become more familiar with the material, reducing anxiety. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel, making it easier to deliver your message effectively.

How can memorizing the beginning and end of your presentation help with anxiety?

Memorizing your introduction and conclusion provides a strong foundation for your presentation. Knowing you can start and finish confidently helps reduce anxiety, especially when you're most nervous at the start.

What should you focus on during the body of your presentation?

You should focus on keeping the content simple and clear, presenting only the 3-4 key points you want your audience to remember. This helps reduce overwhelm and ensures your message is focused.

Why is it better to focus on the information rather than the presentation itself?

Focusing on the information rather than the presentation reduces the pressure to have a perfect performance. If you're confident in what you’re presenting, it’s easier to connect with the audience without worrying about props or slides.

What is Square breathing and how does it help with anxiety?

Square breathing is a breathing technique where you inhale for a certain number of seconds, hold your breath for the same number of seconds, and then exhale. It helps to calm your nervous system and reduce stress.

How does smiling impact your public speaking performance?

Smiling not only helps you feel more relaxed by releasing endorphins, but it also creates a positive connection with your audience. Studies show that people are more likely to smile back at you, which can help ease the overall mood.

How can a photo help during a presentation?

Bringing a photo of something that makes you smile—such as a family photo or a picture of your pet—can help you relax and get into a positive mindset before you begin your presentation.

What’s the benefit of meeting people in the audience before your presentation?

Meeting people in the audience beforehand helps you feel more comfortable by familiarizing yourself with some faces. This reduces the sense of speaking to a room full of strangers and can lower anxiety.

Why is making eye contact important during a presentation?

Eye contact creates a connection with your audience and helps you maintain focus. By looking at one person at a time, you turn the presentation into a conversation, making it less intimidating.

What does the advice to 'just be yourself' mean in the context of public speaking?

The advice to 'just be yourself' means that you should focus on being authentic rather than trying to appear as a flawless, professional speaker. Being genuine helps you feel more comfortable and allows your personality to shine through, which makes your presentation more relatable.