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

How to Improve Your Wellbeing from the Inside Out

We all want to feel good – about ourselves and the world around us – and to be able to get the most from our lives. However, there’s also evidence that a healthy mental wellbeing also aids in your physical health and can help you achieve your goals, be they in your work, relationships or personal life.

 

According to wellness expert Sarah Stewart-Brown, professor of public health at the University of Warwick, when we talk about wellbeing, we mean more than just happiness or mental health. ‘It’s useful to start with the idea that overall wellbeing involves both the mind and the body,’ she says. ‘And we know that physical and mental wellbeing are closely related. Of course, feeling happy is a part of mental wellbeing. But it is far from the whole. There is a deeper kind of wellbeing, which is about living in a way that is good for you and good for others around you.’

 

She explains, ‘Feelings of contentment, enjoyment, confidence and engagement with the world are all a part of mental wellbeing. Self-esteem and self-confidence are, too. So is a feeling that you can do the things you want to do. And so are good relationships, which bring joy to you and those around you. Of course, good mental wellbeing does not mean that you never experience feelings or situations that you find difficult. But it does mean that you feel you have the resilience to cope when times are tougher than usual.’

 

Over the last 20 years, new evidence has emerged about what really causes lasting improvements to your mental wellbeing. Professor Stewart-Brown notes, ‘Some of this evidence comes from observational studies, in which scientists look at the behaviour and wellbeing of certain sections of the population. Other evidence comes from trials in which scientists take a group of people and ask them to change their behaviour or participate in a treatment or other intervention – such as an exercise programme – and then watch what happens to their wellbeing.’ However, they came to discover the secrets, let’s take a look at the proven ways to improve your wellbeing:

 

1. Look at your past: ‘The first thing you can do for your own wellbeing is become curious about it,’ advises Professor Stewart-Brown. ‘Start to think about what you’ve done in the past to promote mental wellbeing, and whether it worked. Then think about new things that you can try. Remember, no one can give wellbeing to you. It’s you who has to take action.’

 

2. Connect with others: To paraphrase John Donne, ‘No person is an island,’ so make time to connect to the people in your life. Spend time developing relationships with your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours, and go out and start new friendships too.

 

3. Exercise: You don’t have to become a fitness freak, but movement is paramount to living a stress-reduced, happier life. Try walking or a sport that gets you involved with new people – the key is to make it an enjoyable part of your life.

 

4. Learn: Much in the same way that children shine when they learn new things and get praise for it, learning new skills can build your confidence and give you a real sense of achievement and purpose in your personal life. Whether you want to become a DIY expert, music maestro or culinary sensation, find a hobby you’ve always wanted to try and give it a go.

 

5. Give: In the words of Mark Twain, ‘The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up’, and even the smallest act can do it. Whether you offer a smile, a thank you or a kind word, or you go big with larger acts like volunteering, giving to others can improve your mental wellbeing and help you build new social networks.

Categories: exercise, giving, learning, life, life nbsp, mental, mental wellbeing, nbsp, Personal Life, professor stewart, stewart brown, Wellbeing