OUTPUT
Read this article from a website on business communication and discuss the questions which follow.
Dealing with nervousness
The American author Mork Twain once put il like rfif s: There are two types of people: those that arc nervous and those that are liars.' So, once you accept that (almoit) everybody who give* o presentation - whether formal or informal, long or short, to drangen or colleagues - is nervous, then you jutt need to find ways to deal with nervousness and even learn how to use it to your advantage,
Lei's first look Ot ways to deal with and reduce nervousness.
1 Prepare well. 'Failing to prepare is preparing lo fail.' Preparation is the key to 0 Successful presentation Nothing will relax you more than knowing exactly what you want lo say and having practised saying it. Make sure you practise your talk until you feel at
home with it - Ihen you can concentrate an other things.
2 Learn to relax. Doing stretching or breathing exercise* before yourtclk can help you to reduce nervousness. One example: before your presentation, sit comfortably with your bock straight. Breathe in slowly, hold your breath for about five seconds, men slowly exhale. You can relax your facial muscles by opening your eyes and mouth wide, then closing them Hghtfy.
3 Check out the room. Make yourself fomiliar with the place where you will be speaking. Arrive early, walk around the room, and make sure everything you need for your talk is there. Procfisa using any equipment (e.g. microphone, video projector, OHP| you plan lo work with.
4 Know your audience. If possible, greel your audience as they arrive end chat with Itiem. It will be easier lo speak lo people who are not complete strangers.
5 Concentrate on the message. Try le> focus on the message and your audience - not on you.i own feors.
6 Visualize success. Imogine yourself speaking to your audience in a loud and clear voice. Then visualize the audience applauding loudly oi ihe end of your talk as you smite.
Use the steps above lo reduce nervousness, but also remember that being nervous isn't all bad. Many experienced presenters soy that you can also use your nervousness to give you that extra energy thai you need lo give a good performance.
OVER TO YOU
What other tips can you think of for dealing with nervousness? How do you deal with nervousness before or during a presentation? How do you prepare your presentations?