Presentation Skills
Most degree programmes and careers require presentation skills. Anyone who understands
some underlying techniques and principles about presenting will be a more confident
speaker. Speaking effectively and persuasively is something anyone can learn and
develop with practice.
So what's the big deal?
Exactly! The main reason why so many people shy away from speaking in public is fear;
the fear of going blank or forgetting what one had planned to say, the fear of sounding
stupid or of boring the audience to death. Quite often, the anxiety provoking thought is that
your name, career or reputation is at stake. The deepest fear is that you are being judged,
not just what you are saying.
There is a big difference between being nervous before speaking and feeling terrified. A
certain amount of anxiety and tension before addressing a group is natural and even
energising. What you need to do to succeed is to turn the experience around and focus on
the positive implications of giving a presentation, rather than on the negative ones.
The level of anxiety before speaking to a group will be influenced by the following factors:
Your knowledge of the subject The more you know about the subject to be presented, the
more confident you will be. Dealing with material that is new or that you have not fully
researched may add to your level of anxiety.
Your advance preparation
How you initially organise the amount of information and knowledge on the subject matter
is equally important. Often people put off preparing the speech until the time to deliver it
has almost arrived. Lack of structure, planning and preparation will contribute to your
feeling nervous while delivering the speech. Effective presentation relies on adequate
preparation.
Who are your audience?
Your anxiety as a speaker can be influenced by the composition of the particular audience.
Consider the following questions:
1.What is the demographic background of the audience in terms of age, sex, status and
work experience?
2. Do they have a vested interest?
3. Will they be a friendly audience? Who is hostile?
4.Does a member of the audience already know something about the subject?
Your familiarity with the venue
The better you knows the venue, the less anxious you will be. If the presentation takes
place in your own classroom, or in the conference room of the company where you work,
preparations will probably be less complicated. The size of the room can influence how
comfortable or uneasy a speaker will be.
What is the purpose of your presentation?
Your level of comfort may be influenced by the occasion and purpose of presentation. You
may feel more anxious in a formal or confrontational occasion than in a casual, informal
