Speaking in front of a group of people

[suis]

I have to give a presentation (first) in front of about 50 people all management of different levels.   Does anyone have any tips on stage fright so to speak?  I have my presentation done, and will be going over it over the weekend, but I still get butterflies in my stomach just thinking of it.  I present next Wednesday so if anyone has tips between now and then, please pass them along.

[spitfire78]

Best of luck to you!  I just did one last week.  Public speaking of any kind has always been a nerve-wracking experience for me.  And this was in front of the faculty - about 25 people!!!!

Surprisingly, it went much better than I expected.  I wasn't quite as nervous as I thought, and the setting turned out to be more informal than I expected.  My "presentation" was only about 3 minutes long and I was fortunate that they had me first, so I didn't have to spend the whole meeting on the edge of my seat.  

My only suggestion is to be prepared - know your material inside and out.  Also, keep remembering that the world isn't going to come to an end.  In the grand scheme of things, it truly is unimportant.  I think that is what got me through it.

The only thing was that I kept saying "um" in front of every sentence.  I knew I was doing it and just couldn't stop!!!  Anyone have any tips on how to stop doing that?

[peaches2160]

Here's a tip.

Look to your left and pick a point on the wall.  Look to the right and pick a point on the wall.  Look straight ahead.  Always look over their heads.  It appears you are addressing them all, but really you are talking to the walls.  IT works for me everytime!  Try to get into the room before the group for a warm up.  Pick your target spots then.

[raindance]

I have do a lot of public speaking and would offer the following suggestions to help you:

Being nervous is natural.  You think that people will judge you and judge you badly.  You may feel like a fool, make mistakes, lose your way in your script, or "they" won't understand your presentation.

Well, you wouldn't be speaking to them if they didn't think you had something to say, so here are Raindance's tips:

Immaculate personal presentation is key: Dress "to kill" in your favourite and comfortable professional outfit, comfortable (particularly if you have to stand up) and smart shoes, immaculate makeup and nails, please;
Posture matters: stand up straight, look people in the eye and don't twiddle with your hair, clothes, watch, ring or anything else;
Don't chew gum during your presentation.  This seems like a stupid recommendation, but I remember being exceptionally irritated by a presenter recently who was chomping throughout her presentation;
Take a break to sip water if you need to, and this "pause" if used properly can enable your audience to absorb specific points;
Do smile, or put a smile in your voice if appropriate, and similarly use humour if appropriate (makes you appear more human);
Be careful with the tone and pace of your voice: speak at a slightly lower pitch (anxiety tends to make people's voices a bit "squeaky"), and speak at a slightly slower pace than usual.  Again, nerves tend to make people speak rather more quickly than usual; Use the microphone properly or, if there isn't one, pitch your voice to the back of the room.  You could take a friend to try out the room beforehand if that is possible;
Use the space that is available to you in the "presentation area" - don't get stuck in one place.  If your space is confined, use stronger body language to convey your message;
If you have a lectern, you can steady your nerves by holding it lightly and thus appear in control;
Speak to your audience - not your notes or your slides;
If all the technology fails, remember it is still YOU they have come to hear, so be prepared.

Good luck, and let us know how you get on.

Best wishes,

Raindance

[msmarieh]

You have gotten some excellent suggestions above. I will add just a few and reiterate some.

Definitely be confident in how well you know your material and dress so that you feel comfortable and confident. Don't wear any jewelry that might jangle and distract you or your audience.

It is commonly said that more people are afraid of public speaking than death - so as a comedienne once pointed out, they'd rather be in the coffin than delivering the eulogy. What does that mean to you? It means that the audience is impressed before you even step up to the lectern, because so many of them feel like they could never do it. It means that they really want you to succeed and they are sending positive energy your way.

Take a deep breath. Don't apologize for anything (not your inexperience, etc). Practice pausing and relax! Most people end up racing through their speech too fast.

You'll do a great job!

[Atlanta Z3]

Watch the "uh"  "umms" .  I tend to count the "uhs" in a speech and lose track of the topic.
Don't read your slides.  Speak about what is on them rather than a verbatum reading.  
Don't rush through, when I get nervous I tend to talk faster.
Remember to breath.
Try to enjoy the experience!

[adminkate]

I would like to pitch in on the uhs and ums.  I too find myself losing all focus when listening to someone whose speech is littered with them.  When I have to speak and find myself umming, I make a concerted effort to stop.  It will seem terribly unnatural--like you've stopped in an awkward place, but rest assured, you haven't.  The pause will sound natural to your listeners and will keep you from racing through your material (another bad habit of mine).  It's ok to stop yourself, then pick up again when the um has passed :-)

[spitfire78]

Thanks for the tips on "um" - Will definitely keep that in mind.  

The only thing that made me feel better is when the big boss (who has spoken at national and international conferences) stood up after me and his speech was peppered with "you know"

[msmarieh]

Good luck!!!! Let us know how it goes!

Marie

[msmarieh]

Well??? How did it go? Inquiring minds want to know!

Marie