Work your way up to presenting in front of a large group. Try speaking to 1 person and gradually increase how many people you invite to listen. If you can, use a microphone similar to what you’d use at the final presentation.
Do your best to memorize as much of your speech as possible just in case you leave your notes at home or there are technical difficulties. If your speech relies on visuals, make sure to practice explaining what your pictures or graphs are in case the projector doesn’t work.
If you’re feeling antsy, try shaking your arms out to relieve the stress
If you’re calm during the first 5 minutes of your speech, you’ll maintain that feeling for the rest of your speech.
Be careful not to speak too slow or your audience may find the speech boring. Aim to speak at approximately 190 words per minute to keep a steady, but effective pace to your speech.
Avoid getting stressed out over technical issues since the people working behind the scenes will be working on the problem. Don’t draw attention to your nervous feelings since it could distract the audience from the main point of your presentation. Instead, continue with your speech like everything is fine.
If you’re giving a presentation where other coworkers or people helped you, make sure to thank them during your speech so you give them credit.
Make sure to talk about something you’re knowledgable in so you don’t overstep any boundaries. If the meeting is about a specific problem, brainstorm a few answers or suggestions you could bring up during the meeting.
Even if you don’t have something substantial to say, affirming another person’s comment can make an impact.
Speaking to a higher-up also shows initiative in your job and makes you seem like a hard worker who’s looking to improve.
Even if you don’t speak all the time while you’re in the middle of the group, stay engaged by making eye contact and having an interested expression.
Actively listen to the conversation so you can contribute. For example, if someone mentions that they saw a movie, ask if they enjoyed it and why. If you feel too much pressure while making conversation, let yourself be quiet for a little while to ease your stress. If you’re a new person in a group of people who all know each other, make sure to chime in since they may not acknowledge you as much on their own.
Starting with small talk can help ease you into being more confident in future conversations.
For example, if you hear your friends talking about a movie, you could ask, “I saw that too. What did you think of it?”
Many phone apps can guide you through breathing in order to calm down. Look for one on your device’s app store.
Make sure to smile at appropriate times. For example, smiling throughout an entire eulogy at a funeral may not work the best, but you may smile if you’re sharing a funny memory.
Avoid staring at one person for too long so they don’t feel uncomfortable.
Avoid crossing your arms in front of you since it will make you seem closed off.
