Summer is here! And we all know what to do when it gets hot – hit the beach, crank the A/C, stock the freezer with ice cold treats…But when an important presentation is making your temperature rise, how can you keep your cool?
- Talk with individuals in advance – chatting with attendees before taking the mic helps you feel connected to the audience, and allows you to gather information that can make your presentation more relevant and meaningful.
- Take deep belly breaths – this practice reduces your blood pressure and stress.
- Focus on the listener – fret less by realizing this is about them, not you. Get the audience talking, and focus on responding to their needs.
- Smile – happiness-boosting neural messaging is activated when you smile, a simple action that relaxes both you and your listeners.
- Visualize a successful outcome (it helps, really!) – Henry Ford is reported to have quipped, “Whether you believe you can do a thing or not, you are right”.
- Start strong – nerves are at their peak 30 seconds in. What to do? Have a purposeful opening, such as a compelling statistic, a thought-provoking question, or a relevant anecdote. Everything gets easier after you start strong.
When the pressure is on and the stakes are high, these tips can help keep your internal thermostat in check. Summer is a great time to learn strategies to keep your cool.
