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Stand So You Can See Audience, Screen, and Notes
Plant your feet toward the audience. How you view your slide on the screen depends on how you have set up the room and the size of the screen. You can stand by the screen and use the slides on the screen as your prompt. You will probably not be standing by the screen if it is gigantic. You may not even be able to read from the screen effectively. In that case, you will need to see the images on your laptop. Consequently, you need to position your laptop so you can see the images. You may find that the table is too low for the laptop, so you will have to get a box to put the laptop on. You only find out these kinds of things when you practice out loud with all your equipment.
Control Your Inner Monologue
Some monologues that go on inside your head before you speak will not make you a better presenter. "I wish I didn't have to do this presentation. I don't know enough. I'll probably trip when I walk up front. I hate the way my voice sounds. I look terrible today. I just want to get it over with as fast as possible." Contrast that monologue with this one. "I feel great today. I practiced yesterday and feel confident. I look good. I'm ready to handle those difficult objections about my product. I can do this. I will enjoy each moment and not wish I wasn't giving the presentation. I want my audience to know I'm glad to be speaking to them."
Your inner monologue, positive or negative, sets the tone for your speech and sends messages to the audience. Which audience would you prefer to be in?
How do you begin to change a negative monologue? First, notice what you say to yourself now. Then begin to tell yourself positive, empowering thoughts. No one else can do this for you—you're the only one inside your head. When you change your monologue to a positive one, your body will feel relaxed and energized at the same time, your mind will be clear, and, most importantly, you will project a confidence that makes your audience glad to be there listening to you.
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For a week before a presentation, just before you go to sleep every night, tell yourself three positive outcomes you expect from your presentation. Use the same outcomes every night -- or select different ones. Here are a few ideas:
"I expect to have three new clients as a result of my presentation."
"I expect to sell the audience on my product."
"I expect upper management to agree to my proposed project."
"I expect to feel calm and confident while giving my presentation."
Handle Your Feelings
Before some presentations you may be nervous. In fact, for some of you, days before a presentation you may feel nervous. How do you not let your feelings take over? You have to let them out in a safe manner. Some people scream or sing in their cars. Some people beat pillows on their beds. Some people exercise to release their tensions. You need to have a method that works for you.
You also need to understand that sometimes your feelings will just be there. For example, a friend may have recently died. Someone you know may be very ill. You may be ill. Usually people manage to present, even if their feelings of sadness and grief are very raw and on the surface. What they don't do well is prepare for the speech. If you find yourself very upset, ask people to help you prepare for the speech effectively. You probably won't be able to do it by yourself.
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