For many in the meetings industry, one of the greatest challenges is to effectively deliver presentations to large groups.
This is quite understandable, considering all that goes into meeting presentations—typically, considerable research, concise but informative content, and a stimulating delivery, among other things. Not to mention that many presentations are highly significant to the speaker’s professional career.
The challenge can be overwhelming, but by developing a sound strategy, speakers can work to make the experience positive and even enjoyable. Nick Morgan, a noted speaker and coach, provided tips for meeting presentations in a Forbes column.
-First, create a picture of yourself delivering a great speech. Make it as detailed as possible, and replay it a couple of times in your mind to make sure that it’s clear and precise.
-Visit the venue where you’ll be speaking. Then go to the exact place where you’ll be standing, and create a picture of yourself giving a great speech to a packed house. If possible, rehearse the speech at that spot.
-Get your body ready. Make sure that your breathing is good and participate in a mild workout, especially using muscles that you know are likely to tense up for you. Flexing and relaxing these muscles helps, as does a brisk walk. Don’t exhaust yourself because this can make you fell agitated due to the elevated amounts of adrenaline you’re likely to experience.
-Warm up your voice every morning, or at least before the presentation. One method is to sing upbeat, cheerful songs that you like ant that are in your range. You can warm up in the shower or a room where you’re staying. Choose upbeat, cheerful songs, and sing gently, with plenty of breath control and sustained pitches.
-Just before the presentation, go through the outline in your mind so that you know exactly how you want the talk to proceed and what it will contain.
-On the day of the presentation, be sure that you have a glass of water nearby.
-Even very experienced speakers often feel a bit nervous before presentation. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and can be a great motivator, but too much nervousness can be debilitating. Invoke positive imagery whenever nerves get the best of you.
