Controlling presentation anxiety
We have examined some of the specific anxiety triggers in our previous article, so now the question becomes what strategies can you use to control (although not eliminate) your anxiety so that it does not disrupt nor undermine your presentation. Here are six quick tips that might help ....
Accept that you are going to experience some degree of anxiety, and use the energy constructively. Harness the energy by directing it towards being thorough in your preparation Avoid negative thinking .......do not allow your mind to entertain thoughts or fantasies of "failing" - instead keep your mental focus upon positive memories of times you have successfully dealt with challenges in the past. Feed your consciousness with thoughts of self-belief "I can handle this!" Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse ..... the more times you are able to do this, the more confident you will become with your content and the mastery of your material Remember, your audience do not want you to fail ......they are there to learn from your message, so try to have the mental view that they are your allies with whom you share some common goals. Some presenters find it helpful to view the presentation more as a conversation with friends, rather than as a formal event. Avoid mentally berating yourself during your presentation, should you fumble a few words or get a powerpoint slide wrong. You are most likely not a full-time presenter (otherwise you probably wouldn't be reading this) - so try to avoid placing unrealistic expectations upon yourself. The main goal is that you het your key message across - you do NOT have to be perfect - so try and lighten up a bit about the whole thing. if you can. Remember to breathe slowly and deeply just before you go on .....and also take some deep relaxing breaths during the actual presentation.
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