Standing up in front of a roomful of people can be daunting for many. While presenting comes naturally to some, others will need to develop methods to help alleviate the stress and deliver presentations with confidence.
Some people just have the innate confidence to stand up in front of a room full of people. They're few and far between, and most of us will suffer from a lack of confidence. Building strategies to help you overcome those issues will mean you become better at presentations, however large the audience.
The first thing you can do is rehearse. An actor would never take to the stage without a few dress rehearsals under their belt, and presenting is all about putting on a show. Even without a willing audience at home, you can still picture a crowded room and practise in front of the mirror. It helps you learn where you might stumble and forces you to make eye contact.
Secondly, make sure you know your structure and timings. It's best to make a list of bullet points to help you stay on track, and a roughed-out sketch of how long each section should take. Knowing you have a structure to stick to will boost your confidence, it means less anxiety about freezing up or forgetting where you are.
Finally, take some time to yourself beforehand. Drink plenty of water and ensure you take a glass in, to avoid a dry mouth. Giving yourself a pep talk before you start can also help you build your confidence. It's been proven that smiling at yourself in the mirror or adopting a 'power stance' can give you a boost, however unnatural it might feel.
Confidence is only gained through repetition of a difficult act. The more presentations you can give, the more confident you will become.
Rehearse
Plan your structure and timings
Drink plenty of water
Give yourself a pep talk beforehand
