| I remember when I was younger, I actually ran away from a presentation I was due to give at a local library! Now, I enjoy them, but still find the first minute tough. And this is key for me, the first minute. Get through this and then its like going down a hill. Two things that helped me. 1. Instead of taking the "everyone's a fool" approach as many have commented, go in and try and make a joke or comment that is humorous. "This is going to be the most interesting 3 hour presentation of your life!" You want to show the audience you are relaxed and once they appear to be friendly and nice, the feedback loop puts you in a new sense of power. This will be the first minute. You can also ask the audience for a raise of hands to a few questions (don't over do it) but it connects you to the foreign enemy in the first few seconds. 2. Don't do it. If you really feel like you are going to die - don't do it. Explain to whoever has it on you to present this why and ask someone else to do it with your input. |