This is a prerequisite for every speaker but it holds especially true for the first time. Practice your presentation as much as you can. By that I literally mean, give your presentation over and over again to a mirror, to your staff, to your spouse or your dog. Practice in front of a video camera. Get feedback from others, watch yourself on videotape and ask:
- Is my message clear, focused, and compelling?
- Is my case persuasive?
- Am I credible and enthusiastic?
Manage Your Expectations
The first time is rarely “like the movies.” Good speakers get that way by doing it over and over again and even then they still make mistakes. For your first time, be prepared for gaffes and be easy on yourself. It’s okay to make a mistake if you handle it with grace and a sense of humor. No one expects you to be a brilliant orator, they simply want to hear a message that will hopefully inspire them to act.
More Tips for First-timers
- Don’t stress yourself by preparing a long presentation. Good presentations are no more than 20 minutes. Great presentations are no more than ten. Leave plenty of time for questions (and make sure you prepare for them).
- Go easy on the visuals, especially if they rely on technology such as PowerPoint slides. You’re going to be nervous enough without worrying about technical glitches.
- SLOW DOWN! Most people speak too quickly when they are nervous. If you make a conscious effort to slow down, you help your body relax and ensure that your audience understands you.
If you follow these simple guidelines, no one will ever guess it’s your first time and who knows, there may be fireworks, rhetorically speaking of course...
LeeAundra Temescu, a nationally ranked public speaker and speech writer, is author of “The Contrary Public Speaker: A Break-the-Rules Approach to Breakthrough Presentations” and founder of The Contrary Public Speaker, an executive communications coaching firm. She can be visited at www.TheContraryPublicSpeaker.com