Cure your clammy hands

Whether it’s a casual elevator speech, new student orientation, discussion with a customer, or a formal presentation to Dean of Students, presentation skills are critical. Clammy hands, heart pounding, shaky voice; yes we all know that flustered panicked feeling that prevails before giving a presentation. Just in case you've forgotten what your college speech professor lectured about on proper presentation etiquette, here is your crash course to successful speeches

• Short and sweet. State your purpose with clear and concise points and support those points with valid and intriguing information. Keep your presentation from going too long and get straight to the point so that you don’t lose your audience in unnecessary information.
• Rehearse not record. Practice does make perfect but be sure to not make the rookie mistake of memorizing your speech and sounding like a recorded message. Rehearse enough so that you know what to say and how to illustrate your points. The objective is to talk naturally to your audience not rigidly talk at them.
  
• Break the ice. Hook your audience by opening with perhaps a (short) story or anecdote that directly relates to your topic. This is similar to writing technique used by journalists called a lead. Its purpose is to catch the reader’s interest and seamlessly lead them further into the story.
• Take a stance. Be mindful of your body language meaning no fiddling of hands, clothing, or shuffling of feet. Stand up straight and keep your audience engaged with consistent eye contact.
  
• Diamond in the rough. Polish up your presentation with compelling images or videos though internet is not always reliable. Overuse of added visuals can make your presentation look rushed and unprepared. Try and only use them when they best illustrate your point. And always be prepared in case of equipment failure.
• Perfect your poker face. It’s all in the attitude; even if you are nervous pretend that you are exceedingly confident ergo you inherently start to be confident. Never apologize for nervousness, be passionate about your speech, and always believe in the fact that your presentation will go better than you think it will.
• Make friends. If possible, converse with your audience before your presentation. It may help you relax as you get to know the very people you are going to be speaking to.
• Interact with your audience. Ask your audience questions: what are their opinions, thoughts, or feelings. Create an active discussion and answer all questions to the best of your ability.
  

Never forget that everybody gets nervous. Everybody. Those who say they don’t are expertly lying to themselves. Trust in yourself, your ideas, and your ever-dying will to succeed. Best of luck.

Want more? Check these out:
Practice makes perfect. Join a local Toastmasters International club
http://www.toastmasters.org/

12 Easy Steps for a perfect pitch
https://www.openforum.com/articles/12-easy-steps-to-a-perfect-pitch/?extlink=sm-openf-sb-promos

3 Techniques Bill Clinton Uses to WOW an Audience
 http://www.fastcompany.com/3001087/3-techniques-bill-clinton-uses-wow-audience?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+fastcompany%2Fheadlines+%28Fast+Company%29&goback=%2Egmr_3374868%2Egde_3374868_member_161851589

How to sell (for people who hate sales):
https://www.openforum.com/articles/how-to-sell-for-people-who-hate-sales/?extlink=of-syndication-sb-p

Posted by Sadja Pals, ICBA Marketing & Membership Manager