Learn to Love Public Speaking

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

Do you have a fear of public speaking? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, some surveys have shown that people are less afraid of death than they are of speaking in public. But in the world of business most of us will be called upon to give a presentation at some point. So if it really is so terrifying, how can you get through the experience without having a complete breakdown?

 

Why people hate giving presentations

If you’re nervous about giving a presentation then it’s worth stepping back and asking yourself why. Is it because you dread being asked a question you can’t answer, are afraid of your voice turning into a squeak or are worried that your projector will break down mid-presentation?It may be a combination of things. By working out what scares you, you can begin to address your fears. Every fear can be overcome with a little planning and there’s no reason why even the most nervous presenter can’t learn to be a great presenter.

 

Be prepared

The first step to giving a great presentation is to be prepared. Know your subject inside out. Rehearse your presentation as much as possible. Think about the likely questions you might be asked. If you’re using props or technology, check that they work in advance. If you’re worried about forgetting your lines, keep your notes close to hand. If you’re presenting away from your usual office, get to the venue in plenty of time so that you can familiarise yourself with the room and set up any equipment you may need.

 

Disguise your nerves

It’s natural to feel nervous before giving a presentation. A few butterflies in the tummy can actually be good as they’ll add energy to your performance. But no-one wants to watch a presenter who is clearly hating every minute. So even if you are feeling the pressure, put your audience at ease by hiding your nerves. Here are some ways to disguise the physical symptoms of nerves:

 

• Don’t hold loose papers as they’ll draw attention to shaking hands. If you need notes with you, attach them to a solid clipboard or write them on index cards which will stay steady.


• Keep your voice even by exercising your vocal chords before your presentation. Have a glass of warm water to hand in case your voice gets croaky. Avoid ice-cold water which could make it worse.


• Even if you don’t feel like it, smile broadly at your audience – it will give a sense of confidence instantly.

 

It may seem impossible, but try to have fun during your presentation. If you appear to be enjoying yourself, your audience will too. In his book Brilliant Presentation, Richard Hall gives the following tip: “Lighten up a little…you will stand out if you let your charm and personality shine through.”

 

So next time you’re called upon to give a presentation; don’t panic! Prepare, relax, smile and you may just find you enjoy it.

 

Categories: catton, giving, jenny, nbsp, Nerves, nervous, Presentation, Public Speaking, written

Always Eat Dessert: Six Diet Tips You Won’t Mind Following!

When you want to eat a more nutritious diet and take care of your wellbeing, having the right mindset is half the battle. How do you make yourself choose carrot sticks over cake? Diet plans aren’t easy, especially when they deprive you of all the foods you love, so we’ve gathered the opinions of the best wellness experts around, to give you six smart, totally doable strategies.

 

1. Eat with your eyes first: According to Alice Waters, the owner of Chez Panisse, in Berkeley, California, and the author of In the Green Kitchen, ‘Presentation is important. Think of a farmers’ market: The way that vendors put produce in boxes and arrange the radishes is enticing. It’s an artistic experience.’ So, when putting together your own dishes at home, make it a sensory treat in more ways than one by creating that same visual seduction. Get inspiring with colours and arrangements of foods, as well as serving it on interesting cookware.

 

2. Don’t forget how bad you felt after the last time you wolfed down those chips: This is the practise of Michael Pollan, author of the every-bite-you-eat-counts bible Food Rules, who summons memories of his last foray into junk food to thwart unfortunate cravings. ‘When I don’t eat well, I don’t feel good, so it’s a self-reinforcing process,’ he explains. ‘The last time I ate a highly processed meal, I was up all night, thirsty from the salt and vaguely nauseated by the fillers and additives. On the other hand, when I eat real food, I feel good and get plenty of sleep.’

 

3. Get emotional about food: You probably already associate certain foods with emotional responses. Pizza might remind you of times you’ve shared one with friends, while nothing beats a tub of ice cream for the post-break-up blues. Try to make yourself see the emotional benefits of healthy food. David Kessler, a former commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration and the author of The End of Overeating, asserts, ‘Training yourself to stop craving salty, sugary, and fatty foods can’t be a cognitive process alone; it has to be emotional, too. Once you activate that circuitry, you’ll be able to recognise that this desire for junk is simply your brain playing a trick on you. That realisation allows you to move on to better things to eat.’

 

4. Keep fresh, long-lasting foods in your fridge: Martha Rose Shulman, author of The Very Best of Recipes for Health, comments, ‘I get nervous if I don’t have a vegetable available to put on my plate, so I make sure to keep the sturdiest produce on hand: Carrots, red cabbage, bell peppers, and romaine lettuce all last for up to a week.’

 

5. Save the steak for dinner time: If your goal is to reduce the amount of red meat you eat, make protein more of a side dish than the main event. Mark Bittman, author of The Food Matters Cookbook, adds, ‘I eat a vegan diet until 6pm and then whatever I want for dinner. That can be an elaborate restaurant feast or a simple meal at home. There’s nothing wrong with eating steak or other rich dishes, as long as you’re eating plants most of the time.’

 

6. Always eat dessert: Yes, you read that right. Marlene Schwartz, the deputy director of the Yale Rudd Centre for Food Policy and Obesity, in New Haven, Connecticut, notes, ‘My kids can have one dessert every day. This is how we teach balance and moderation.’ Go on, I know it’s hard advice, but indulge yourself!

Categories: author, Desert, eat dessert, Emotional Association, Food, foods, nbsp, Presentation, time