Knowing how to deliver an idea is beneficial, no matter what line of business you’re in. But if you’ve tried everything in the books to improve your Presentation skills and are still met with the kind of anxiety that causes you to break out in a cold sweat and stumble over your carefully planned words, it’s time to try a different approach. Remember, speaking in front of people is a skill, not an innate ability. The internet gives us access to countless videos of the greatest speakers of our time. Deconstruct their speech by highlighting their approach, tactics, and execution. Then identify each speaking skill that was demonstrated, study it, and the model is based on a video.

Focus on your Audiences Needs

You must be clear about your objective. Why you have been asked to speak on the Subject and why you have accepted the invitation? Both must be understood and realized. The best thing is to write it down. What is the expectation of your Audience is something of cardinal importance? So, contemplate on it and note down the main points. It may require you to define the group, the profile, age group, gender mix, no of people, likes and dislikes or whatever other information you can gather.

Keep it Simple: Concentrate on your Core Message

The next and critical step is the content. Even when you know the subject very well, you have to modify it every time you speak regarding the same subject. Redesign it, keeping in view your new audience and their objectives. Content is the king. You don’t have anything significant to say, anything which will improve the knowledge or something they can use in their daily life; then keep your mouth shut. In short, there must be a good amount of takeaway from your speech to your audience.

Master your verbal skills.

The third but most important part of your speech is your ability to express yourself effectively. Never think of impressing anyone. But you just have to express yourself. You should be able to communicate exactly what you have in mind. You are already clear about your objective and the objective of your audience. You have already gather information which will interest them. You already know what you are going to give them as takeaways. But if you lose out in holding their attention, if your audience is not hooked by you on the subject, all knowledge might get wasted.

Show your Passion and Connect with your Audience

Its hard to be relaxed and be yourself when you’re nervous. But time and again, the great presenters say that the most important thing is to connect with your audience, and the best way to do that is to let your passion for the subject shine through. Be honest with the audience about what is important to you and why it matters. Be enthusiastic and honest, and the audience will respond.

Tell Stories

Human beings are programmed to respond to stories.

Stories help us to pay attention, and also to remember things. If you can use stories in your presentation, your audience is more likely to engage and to remember your points afterward. It is a good idea to start with a story, but there is a wider point too: you need your presentation to act as a story.

Think about what story you are trying to tell your audience, and create your presentation to tell it.

Relax, Breathe and Enjoy

If you find presenting difficult, it can be hard to be calm and relaxed about doing it.

One option is to start by concentrating on your breathing. Slow it down, and make sure that you’re breathing fully. Make sure that you continue to pause for breath occasionally during your presentation too.

Thanks for reading!