A well-prepared speech is fundamental to succeeding with a presentation. The ability to prepare mentally for your presentation is as essential as the content of the speech itself. Ceo.com published some practical advice on how to reduce pre-presentation anxiety and prepare for any possible problems which may arise.
Activate your brain
You will need dopamine and adrenalin to strengthen the alertness of your brain. These chemicals can be added to you body using foods rich in proteins such as meat or cheese. However, you should eat something lighter instead, such as proteins in combination with a salad or pasta. Do not leave eating until the last minute. You nervousness may not allow you to eat.
Burn a little cortisol
Cortisol is called the stress hormone. It is excreted by the body when we are nervous and it can strengthen our emotions too much at the expense of creativity and the ability to process complex information. To flush some cortisol out of the body, exercise or take a walk.
Prepare for problems
Learn to think about what unpleasant things might happen and how to handle them. Some typical unpleasant situations include technology that doesn't work, a disruptive element in the audience, or bungling the beginning of the presentation. To get started, name the thing that worries you the most and prepare a backup plan if such a situation occurs.
Create a ritual
Focus on what helps you calm down. It may be checking up the room before the audience comes, rehearsing your presentation on the spot, or keeping the water always at hand. A ritual you always repeat before a presentation will give you more confidence.
Keep two goals
Prepare a "backup" goal in case you fail to reach your primary goal for your presentation. Your primary goal may be e.g., to obtain approval for a new project. However, if you see that things are not going as smoothly as you would like, you should set a second goal to create space for further discussions about your idea.
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