10 Things You Should Do In The 15
Minutes Before A Big Presentation
"The human
brain starts working the moment you are born and never stops until you stand up
to speak in public." -George Jessel
Building blocks
such as analyzing the audience, creating well-designed slides, and rehearsing
aloud should have already been laid, says Price. "Now, the big moment has
arrived, and an eager audience awaits your message."
Whether you're
stepping to the front of the room to speak to just a few people, or making a
grand entrance in a ballroom to address thousands, you can effectively use the
time immediately before you go up to prepare your body and mind for peak
performance, Price says.
Here are 10
things you can do in the 15 minutes before a big presentation to optimize your
speaking success:
1. Use the
restroom. "First
thing's first," Price says. "Needing the toilet when you wouldn't
normally 'have to go' is a common reaction to anxiety and pre-speech jitters.
Why take chances? Plan ahead and use the restroom in the moments prior to going
on stage."
2. Check out
the meeting room and audiovisual set-up. As the speaker, be sure you know the environment,
including the seating arrangement, presentation electronics, microphone, and
lighting. Get to the room early and ensure you're comfortable with the set-up.
"This step shows the audience you're prepared and helps ensure your
presentation runs smoothly," she says.
3. Meet and
greet the audience before you speak. Shake hands and talk with as many people as possible
ahead of time. "This shows the audience you're approachable and
personable," Price explains. "You may even learn a few names, issues,
and stories to weave into your presentation. Plus, having conversations with
your listeners ahead of time transforms scary 'public' speaking into natural
relaxed 'personal' speaking."
4. Take several
deep belly breaths. Since anxiety
tightens the muscles in the chest and throat, it's important to diminish that
restricting effect with deep inhalations. Don't underestimate the power of a
long slow deep breath. It maximizes the amount of oxygen that flows to the
lungs and brain; interrupts the adrenalin-pumping "fight or flight"
response; and triggers the body's normal relaxation response. In the moments
leading up to your presentation, breathe deeply and deliberately.
5. Practice the
first minute in your mind. Whatever you're planning to say as the captivating opener - a witty
quotation, personal story, or startling statistic - rehearse the first few
sentences several times, Price suggests. Knowing exactly how you're going to
start gives you confidence, enables you to look directly into the eyes of
audience members as you begin (not at notes or a slide), and creates a powerful
first impression.
6. Focus on
positive thoughts and images. "Harnessing the power of the mind-body connection
means that you can learn to use your thoughts to positively influence your
body's physical responses," Price says. As a result, you can decrease
stress and increase a sense of wellbeing and control, just by holding
positive thoughts and images in your mind. For example, replace the thought,
"I'm so nervous and unprepared I'm going to bomb," with a positive
statement such as, "I'm an expert on my topic," "I'm
enthusiastic and engaging," or, "I'm credible and confident."
7. Smile. Maintain a positive, pleasant
expression on your face in the moments before you speak. "Smiling actually
relaxes the body. Physiologically, smiling emits endorphins in the brain that
calms the nerves, creates a pleasant attitude, and promotes a sense of
wellbeing," she says. Plus, a smile conveys confidence and self-assurance.
It shows your audience that you're happy to see them and enthusiastic about
your message.
8. Sip water
that is either warm or room temperature, with lemon if possible. "This helps with dry-mouth, cuts
through mucus buildup in the mouth, and clears the throat," Price says.
Avoid cold food and drinks, dairy products, and carbonated beverages - and
ensure a glass or bottle of water is within arm's reach during your speech.
9. Exercise
lightly. In a private
setting beforehand, do some light stretching, a few knee-bends, or take a brisk
walk down the hall and back. "This rids the body of excess energy and
sends oxygen to the brain," she says.
10. Assume a
standing position in the five minutes prior to speaking. If you're the host or only speaker,
you'll be standing anyway. However, if you're one of several speakers on the
agenda, and your turn is coming up in five minutes, simply step to the back of
the room and stand, or stand up if you're backstage. "The sitting position
is motionless, passive, and inactive. By standing, you summon energy ahead of
time, give your body a chance to warm up, and place yourself in a posture ready
for action."
Most speakers,
beginners and veterans, readily admit to feeling nervous in the moments leading
up to a speech or presentation. It may feel uncomfortable, but it's completely
natural and even necessary, Price explains. "In fact, many professional
speakers don't want to lose the butterflies; they aim to leverage
them. They actually value this adrenalin surge because it fuels the body with
the energy and enthusiasm necessary for a great performance."
"Don't
squander those precious few minutes prior to your presentation," she says.
"Use every moment to prepare mentally and physically for a dynamic
performance."
