Dave Hill – Speaker, Trainer, Author, and Speech Coach
16 TIPS FOR REDUCING COMMUNICATION ANXIETY
- Know your subject matter. Don’t try to “wing” your presentation.
- Know the outline and sequence of the sections of your presentation.
- Prepare, prepare, prepare (and rehearse in the room you will be presenting).
- Hydrate. Drink lots of water at least two hours before your presentation and have some available during your presentation in case you get “cotton mouth.”
- Do not drink coffee, alcohol, dairy products or iced beverages before you speak. They can diminish the capability of your vocal cords.
- Imagine yourself being successful.
- Ask your brain, “What’s the worst thing that can happen?” (You will live through this.)
- Have a backup plan in case your audio-visual equipment fails.
- Consider having backup notes in case you get a mind-blank.
- Arrive early to deal with the unexpected.
- Use a cotton undershirt to minimize sweat leak-through.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
- Before your presentation, walk, listen to music, imagine yourself being successful.
- Take deep breaths from your diaphragm.
- Try pressing your knees together just before the presentation. Some people take the edge off their anxiety this way.
- Remember: Some anxiety is good; it is your body’s natural response and it can give you energy.
