Stacey@staceyshipman.com www.staceyshipman.com 617-548-5877

Present with Confidence

10 Tips to Turn Speaking Stress into Success by Stacey Shipman, M.Ed

Prepare and research. Pick a topic you are interested in and do some research. The more you know about your topic, the easier it is to speak about it.

Practice. Practice. Practice! Rehearse out loud, several times, in front of a mirror if available. Sounds silly, but it works. Make your mistakes at home.

Stand Tall. How you look often speaks louder than what you say. The taller you stand the more confident you will feel and appear to your audience.

Smile and have fun. A smile is contagious, and if you look like you’re enjoying yourself the people watching you will have fun, too.

Relax and imagine. Ease tension with simple breathing exercises and visualizations. Transform nervous energy into enthusiasm by imagining a successful presentation.

Never Give Up. Experience builds confidence, which is the key to successful public speaking. Keep practicing. No matter how “bad” you think you are, never give up. Even the most seasoned speakers have room to improve.

Get Feedback. One of the best ways to improve your presentation skills is to get feedback. Ask someone you trust who will provide honest, useful feedback in a way that allows you to improve. If you can videotape yourself, do it! Play it back and watch it. Self-evaluation is just as important as feedback from others. You know how you felt and what you most need to improve.

Know your audience. Knowing your audience allows you to tailor your information accordingly. Arrive early, set up and meet and greet prior to your talk. Now there are familiar faces in the room and you already have a connection with your audience.

Be Yourself. Knowing who you are as a person will help you become a more confident presenter. Relax, have fun, and remember it’s less about you and more about your audience.

BONUS TIP: Get help. Hire a public speaking coach or join a group like Toastmasters – an affordable, group experience - to help you overcome fear and present with confidence. Consistent practice is the key.