Very Useful Strategy

Over the years I have been on many auditions, took a lot of acting classes and performed in front of numerous audiences. Most people may think that because I am in acting, a business presentation should be easy for me. In all honesty, I fear it most of the time and that is something I can't control but I am trying to get better at it. I know it's hard to believe but it is the truth. I am going to share a technique that I hope will help you.

In a room, there are four walls. When you are presenting it may feel as if there are only three walls. The ones on your left, right, and back. The audience is in front of you. That is what mainly causes your nerves to act in certain ways. If you block out the audience and put the fourth wall up right in front of them. You will feel like it is only you in the room. If you really concentrate, and use the tip of looking above their heads to make eye contact, it should make it a lot easier. Over time, when you are comfortable enough to make full eye contact and presenting becomes natural, that wall will disappear. You will then realize you have finally avoided stage fright for good.

Eye Contact

I would highly recommend eye contact while presenting. I don't mean seriously staring at a person for an entire minute. Just briefly making enough eye contact from person to person. It actually influences them to be more drawn in to your presentation. It is also in a way like you are just speaking to them and having a normal conversation. Usually when people are having a conversation they do make eye contact. It is an important way of connecting with each other. I think too many people take eye contact for granted while presenting, it does make kind of a huge difference. To me personally, I notice I am more interested in learning what a person has to say when they acknowledge me, even if it's just with simple eye contact. Do you think eye contact is important? You should try it out at your next presentation and see if you feel the difference.   

Tone of Voice

Tone of voice is vital for delivering information during a presentation and keeping your audience’s attention. Tone of voice refers to the volume you speak at, pace, and pitch. Using a higher pitch will usually communicate excitement and happiness, whereas a lower pitch would communicate sadness or lack of interest. Avoid speaking in a monotone as it will make your presentation become lifeless and boring. Try using variations with your speech. Add emphasis in your voice when needed and use pauses effectively. 

Pauses are important because they give the audience time to comprehend the information and can emphasis information. Just imagine someone speaking without a single pause and how that might become confusing. 

When we are nervous, we tend to speed up the pace we speak at. It is important to keep a steady pace so that the audience can interpret what you want to communicate.    

We are sometimes unaware of the tone of voice we use when presenting, which is why it is important to get feedback. Practice in front of friends and family and allow them to critique your tone. You can also record yourself and see where you are able to improve.

People Know The Difference

It is very noticeable when someone has stage fright. In this post, I am going to show you a video of what it looks like to have stage fright. I will be presenting a monologue from "A Cinderella Story"

With Stage Fright:

Without Stage Fright: 

"No, you listen. You turned out to be exactly who I thought you were. I never pretended to be somebody else. It’s been me all along. And it was me who was hurt in front of everybody. Look, I didn’t come here to yell at you, okay? I came to tell you I know what it feels like to be afraid to show who you are. I was. But not anymore. And the thing is, I don’t care what people think about me because I believe in myself and I know that things are going to be OK. But even though I have no family, and no job, and no money for college, it’s you that I feel sorry for. … I know that guy that sent those emails is somewhere inside of you, but I can’t wait for him because waiting for you is like waiting for rain in this drought. Useless and disappointing. " All credits go to A Cinderella Story.

If you go through the actual monologue, you will see that both videos don't follow it word for word but it's only noticeable in the first video. :)

Tips To Help You Deal With Stage Fright

Tips to Help You Deal With Stage Fright

1. Take a few deep breaths before presenting.
2. Make sure you rehearsed your presentation as many times as needed especially your introduction and conclusion.
3. Be on time, or early if possible.
4. Be consistent. 
5. Be sure to have a water bottle and don't eat or drink anything that can make you dehydrated easily.
6. Never ever APOLOGIZE for making a mistake, simply just continue as if it wasn't a mistake. Usually the audience truly knows it was a mistake if you make it obvious especially by apologizing. 
7. Always breathe evenly.
8. Believe in yourself.
9. Energize yourself by walking around and presenting rather than just staying in one spot. (IF POSSIBLE)
10. If making eye contact causes more stage fright, look right above everyone's head. The audience will believe in that. It is a win win.

Do YOU Have Stage Fright?

Stage fright is very common so don't feel like you're alone in the world. It is something that takes time and self confidence to over come. It can be a serious a downfall especially if you have a business presentation in a room full of people you need to impress.

Does any of the following happen to you?

• Sweaty palms
• Serious Nervousness
• Dry Throat
• Slur of words
• Anxiety
• Fear
• Increased heart rate
• Blushing
• Trembling
• Shaky Voice
• Nausea
• Shaky Legs and Hands
• Butterflies in your stomach

This could mean you have social anxiety disorder, but in most cases it is just stage fright. Luckily there are plenty of ways to avoid stage fright.