Body Language during presentation

Remember the importance of non-verbal communication!

•   Behave enthusiastically,

•    make and maintain eye contact,

•   smile,

•   act ‘as if’ you are confident and relaxed (even if you do not feel it) and make your introduction without reading from your notes too much.

•   The manner of speech is also important.

•   As well as ensuring that your voice can be heard by the furthest member of the group,

•   speak clearly and at a conversational,

•   appropriate speed.

•   Varying the tone, pitch, rate and other vocal features can communicate enthusiasm and can create a sense of interest in the listener.

•   Pause before key points and stress key parts of the sentence by using change in tone.

Techniques to resolve your anxiety include the following:

1.         Accept that it is perfectly normal to feel nervous or anxious to some extent.

2.       • Prepare well.

3.       • Be realistic. Are your standards too high? Take off the unnecessary pressure that comes from negative and unrealistic thoughts by challenging them and seeking the more rational view. That worst case scenario you imagine is highly improbable, and if a less than positive outcome does occur, it is unlikely to be the end of the world!

4.       • Use relaxation exercises such as deep breathing.

5.       • Behave ‘as if’ you are feeling confident; i.e.

i. Enter the presentation in a very deliberate way,

ii. Rehearse your presentation, but also how you will Stand, set out your notes, change your slides etc,

iii. Use other non-verbal behaviors to appear confident.