Forgetting words, blacking out, moving funny—these are just some of the fears when it comes to giving business presentations. However, we often put far too much thought and pressure on ourselves and become nervous as a result. This article will give you valuable tips on how to present like a pro in the future and always have a convincing, winning smile on your lips.
Fear of losing your words
Surveys show that more than 30% of all presenters are afraid of losing their words. Sudden stammering, searching for the right vocabulary—it often all happens in your head. This sets a carousel of thoughts in motion, which quickly causes confidence to wane.
Strengthen your business communication skills primarily through consistent practice. Review your presentation multiple times by yourself. The more frequently you rehearse your lines, the less likely you are to forget them—unless, of course, your memory decides to play tricks and spontaneously resets. This regular practice not only boosts your confidence in your abilities but also increases the likelihood that you’ll feel more assured during your delivery.
Make yourself a cheat sheet
You don’t have to know everything by heart. Even the best presenters take notes. They act like a trustworthy co-pilot in turbulent flight phases. Imagine you are the captain of your presentation, and these little cards are your navigation system. Instead of frantically memorizing every sentence, these cards allow you to structure your presentation flexibly.
Take it with a smile
Humor can also serve as an icebreaker to win over the audience and reduce your own nervousness. A well-placed anecdote or joke at the beginning can lighten the atmosphere and create a connection with the audience, making the speaker feel more comfortable too. Remember, the audience’s laughter is not just a reaction to your humor but also a sign that they are listening to you and engaged—a real mood booster!
Don’t be afraid of criticism
Feedback on your presentation is a great gift. Accept it without personalizing everything. Around a third of all presenters are afraid of (negative) criticism. But it is part of the process, because you learn from it.
If you find it difficult to deal with criticism from other people, work on it. Actively ask for feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors. By specifically asking for constructive criticism, you can focus on potential improvements while strengthening your ability to be open to feedback. This process will help you to continuously improve and hone your presentation skills.
Build emotional resilience
Work on strengthening your emotional resilience. Not all criticism is easy to digest, especially if it is unexpected or harshly worded. Train yourself to remain emotionally neutral and see feedback as an opportunity for self-improvement. This can improve your ability to remain professional and calm under pressure.
Expert tip: Use the roaming gaze technique
Feeling uneasy about making eye contact during presentations? Experts suggest a simple trick to boost your confidence: select three to four points across the audience area, such as the left, middle, and right sides of the room. Start your presentation by focusing on one of these points, holding your gaze for a few seconds, then slowly shifting to the next.
This technique, known as the “roaming gaze,” creates the illusion that you are engaging the entire audience, even though you are looking at fixed points. This approach reduces nervousness by avoiding direct eye contact with individual attendees while simultaneously making them feel directly addressed, enhancing their attention and engagement.
