The projector flashed your name as you are called. You stood up very shaky. It must be the coffee. You walked to the mic and stared at your audience who stared back at you. Then, you heard your chest pounding louder than your own voice. Even if it might have felt that you have swallowed your own tongue when you took a deep breath, you knew that your words should come out.
Every speaker must have experienced being tongue-tied in the beginning of a presentation. It takes preparation, practice and patience to do it well. Let us say that you have done these things and your presentation slides are all set. Now, all you need to ensure is that you will start right and get your talk rolling.
You might not get invited for a TED Talk yet, but it pays to remember these tips to start your presentation with ease:
1. Practice low breathing. Slow breathing relaxes your body and helps you focus on your voice.
2. Start with a smile. A great smile not only eases your facial muscles, it also engages your audience to pay attention to you. So smile in the beginning and smile every now and then during your presentation.
3. Look at your audience's eyes and greet them. A presentation may be formal but it is still a conversation with people. And people love to hear from a conversationalist than a stoic on stage. So, greet your audience. You'll surely get a greeting back.
To encourage you further, I want you to watch this short video of the TED Talk of Richard Turere of Nairobi, Kenya. This 12-year old cow-herder shared his brilliant idea in front of a large crowd. He is obviously nervous in his speech. But watch how he conversed with his audience and how a smile and some laughter from the audience made him carry on with his meaningful speech happily.
Vocabulary Quiz:
See if you can identify the use of the words in pink here.
Discussion questions:
1. What made Richard Turere's speech worth-listening to? How did he overcome his nervousness?
2. When was the last time that you felt nervous in starting a presentation? How did you overcome your fear?
3. What breathing exercises work for you when words don't come out of your mouth?
Phrases that you can use in recalling a presentation experience:
- I remember/recall + gerund phrase
I remember speaking in a conference in Manila back in 2015. - I was/wasn't able to + base verb
I was able to regain my composure when the audience laughed at my joke.
How to Give a Killer Presentation
How to Start a Presentation So You Immediately Capture the Room
