Sweaty palms, increased heart rate and dry mouth. No, these aren’t side effects of a new prescription drug. What could cause such a dramatic reaction? Public speaking. Research from Chapman University found 26% of Americans have a fear of public speaking. In several research projects conducted over decades, the number one fear for most people is public speaking, but it’s an essential part of life and a successful business career. Presentation skills are the most overlooked and underdeveloped disciplines in corporate America. People get promoted and find themselves needing more training for storytelling and public speaking.

Why is public speaking important?

Those who present with confidence are more likely to be seen as leaders and more likely to be promoted. Professional presentation skills bleed into one-on-one interactions, such as interviews or client meetings. Regardless of an audience of one or 1,000 people, tuning in to how the audience is responding to your information is key to successful communication. It could be the deciding factor to winning that account or landing that new job. Whether you are the captain of your household or the CEO of a major corporation, improving your presentation skills will build self-confidence, expand your value and position you as an influential person.

Why does public speaking freak us out?

Without training, a presenter’s emotions can go wild. An activity that you do every day, like stepping off a curb to cross a street, becomes easy and almost thoughtless. However, that same action in a different situation is terrifying, like stepping out of an airplane. The act is the same, but the environment is radically different. The shift from presenting everyday attitudes to a formal presentation is known to elicit rapid heart rates and induce sweating. It’s critical to have the necessary tools for each scenario to calm stress, anxiety and fear.

Overcome fear

There are several techniques for improving presentation skills and giving a polished presentation. Focusing on planning, practicing and learning how to calm nerves are solid techniques to developing a top-notch presentation. Building in voice fluctuation, moving with purpose and engaging better eye contact to enhance the presentation and message are also valuable techniques, and with proper practice, can calm nerves. To help alleviate nerves and boost confidence, keep these simple tips from Mike Brian in mind:

• Most people in the room don't want to trade places. Remember that they want you to do a great job. So, try to relax and relate to them.
• Memorizing your presentation is dangerous. It isn't hard to spot someone who is just reciting information vs. one who is communicating with the group. Learn how to use a phrasing technique wherein short blocks of information are memorized to help you stay on track.
• Use your own voice and present as yourself. Don't try to be Steve Jobs or Tony Robbins. Be yourself, and you'll be much more comfortable.

Be a storyteller

Even if the presentation is simply distributing information, engaging the emotions of the audience is critical to its success. Using a Cadence Chart to plan your presentation will help manage information and strategically design the impact and emotions of the audience. Engaging emotion is key to having your information stick. Stories are the framework around which most of life is designed. Using stories in a presentation will accomplish the goal of invoking the audience's imagination and cementing information. Stories amplify and become mental scenes that are hard to forget. Memories of childhood and career events are powerful when weaved into the facts being presented. Don’t just tell the story, draw them into it. Make them feel like they were there.

Take action

For people who want to elevate their presentation skills and grow their career, Presenter Evolution offers participants of different skill levels the opportunity to learn techniques that will make them better presenters and make a positive impact on their careers. Penna Powers is holding three half-day seminars on March 19, 26, and April 2. Hosted by presentation coach and Penna Powers CEO, Mike Brian, these seminars will help people improve their presentation skills and move their impact to the next level. Brian is the author of Presenter Evolution- Master 5 Power Traits of Influential Presenters, a marketing executive and a presentation pioneer who has helped businesses of all sizes develop successful presentations and presenters.

Click here to register for the seminar.

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