How to build more confident presentation skills

Most people, when asked how they most want to feel when giving a presentation, is that they want to feel more ‘confident’. But why is confidence such an elusive quality when standing up and giving a presentation?

Typical reactions you may experience when presenting without the desired confidence are nerves / butterflies, mumbling, being inaudible, dry mouth. If we took everybody’s symptoms and put them all in a list you’d probably be surprised at just how many there are. And you would probably be amazed at just how many ‘confident presenters’ have actually experienced some of these feelings as well.

So how do we create the confidence required to control these nervous habits? presentation skills? What techniques do people use to get into a more confident state?

Lets be clear, there are many different strategies that people use to become more confident. You need to try out a few to find out those that work best for you personally. Here’s three things to start you off.

Prepare. Prepare. Prepare! This includes knowing your audience and what matters to them. Make sure that your slides are likely to make an impact with them.

Create a clear structure to your presentation. Always keep it straightforward with a definite beginning, middle and end. And limit your key points to three in total. This will help you stay on track and make it easier for your audience to follow.

Try and be more controlled when you speak. Lots of people speed up when they present ? when the nerves kick in. So be conscious of this and make an effort to keep in control. The temptation is often there to get it over with. But if you think ’slow is best’ when you begin you will then feel in more control and this will give you more confidence and self assurance.

Try to use these three tips the next time you present. And as a result you should be more confident and successful.

Get more help on how to present with PowerPoint.