Business presentations can be highly nerve-wracking for people who have an aversion to public speaking. Your knees get weak, arms get heavy…you get the idea. If the thought of doing a business presentation in front of your work colleagues makes you that nervous, then you should consider participating in a presentation skills workshop to master the craft of public speaking.
Tips for Improving Your Business Presentation Skills before Your Next Corporate Event
Whether you’re preparing a business presentation for a meeting or large corporate event, here are some valuable tips to help you fine-tune the art of public speaking and get rid of your nerves.
Set Small Goals
Business presentations are all about making your objectives well known to your audience. Engage them by clearly defining and explaining the purpose of your presentation and the information you hope to convey to them by the very end. Business Storytelling is about framing your message and information in a story format. It allows you to take facts and ideas and communicate them to your audience in an engaging way. Be clear and upfront about the intentions of your presentation, whether it’s a product announcement, informing them of your quarterly sales, or presenting new ideas.
Prepare a Few Anecdotes to Break the Ice
Working personal and professional anecdotes about your business experience into your presentation is a great icebreaker. It makes you come off as more relatable and keeps your audience members thoroughly engaged in your presentation. Plus, good business storytelling is all about adding a personal flair to help drive your points home.
Practice Makes Perfect
Practicing your presentation aloud in front of a mirror or a test audience at home can help you become more comfortable and confident with the information you’re presenting. It can also help you tweak your presentation by cutting down time or making some revisions to improve the flow. The more prepared you are, the less likely you are to get nervous on the big day.
Fix Your Body Language
Excellent body language is one of the most important business presentation skills you can master. Stand up straight, smile, and make eye contact with various audience members throughout your presentation. These simple physical signals convey a sense of confidence and knowledge to your audience members. Avoid relying entirely on cue cards or digital devices (unless you’re using them to illustrate your points or for special effects).
Exude Confidence and Passion
If you love what you do, it’s not hard to showcase how passionate you are about it. The confidence part, on the other hand, doesn’t always come as naturally to everyone. Remind yourself that you’re the one in control of the situation and that you’re there to educate and inform others about a concept, product, or topic about which you’re the expert. Try doing a few deep breathing exercises to calm your nerves and clear your mind before commencing the presentation.
Invest in Professional Soft Skills Training Services to Fine-Tune Your Business Presentation Skills
Soft skills like good communication and public speaking don’t come easily to a lot of people. Even extroverts who seem confident and are in their element on a public platform might suffer from stage fright or anxiety. If you have issues with public speaking and performing under pressure, then participating in a presentation skills workshop offered by The Soft Skills Group can give you the tools you need to overcome these feelings of insecurity. Contact us today to learn more.
