Handling Nerves

More sage advice from John Adair (Effective Communication (2009)), and based on my many years as a presenter and facilitator. Another post on handling nerves - why? - because so many people avoid giving presentations because of the horrible nerves that they feel. And it's such a shame, because delivering a great presentation is not only helpful for your career, but can also be a complete joy.

Do you feel self-conscious if you have to stand up and speak in front of a group, even if you know them quite well? Do you experience difficulty in finding the right words to express yourself clearly? Do you get palpitations, feel sick, get a dry mouth, sweaty palms or breathlessness? Does your mind ever go completely blank before you stand up to speak? Do you fear that you are going to make a fool of yourself?

If this sounds like you, then you are not alone. Many people, even very experienced presenters, feel like this at times. The main thing is working out a few mechanisms to try and alleviate these symptoms, and then exposing yourself to as many presentations as you can so that you can work through the issues with experience.

A few techniques to try:

1. Breathe Deeply – Breathe deep down into your lungs, enabling your diaphragm to control the release of your breathe with each word.

2. Manage Your Hands – If you are a ‘hand-talker’, and your hands seem to ‘get in your way’, then clasp them loosely in front of you, and consciously keep them in control until the point when you can forget about them.

3. Look At Your Audience – Make sure you continuously engage your audience throughout your presentation by embracing them all in your glance as you speak.

4. Move Well – Let your movements be deliberate and unhurried. Move with purpose.

5. Talk Slowly – Do not let your rate of speaking exceed your rate of thought. This will help you to not stumble over your words.

6. Compose And Relax – Allow yourself time to clear your mind before you deliver your presentation so that you can concentrate on the task at hand. Compose yourself and relax – and your audience will follow suit.