Have you ever felt a little shaky before giving a presentation? Maybe you felt a knot in your stomach, or your palms got sweaty. Introverts, especially, may feel nervous before giving a client presentation or speaking at a promo industry event. Feeling nervous before public speaking — even if it’s just presenting to your co-workers — is perfectly normal.

Susan Cain, a best-selling author and award-winning speaker, knows that public speaking of any kind can be nerve-wracking. The good news, though, is that anyone can boost their confidence by practicing and seeking feedback.

In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we share Cain’s top tips on how you can polish your stage presence and improve your public speaking.

1. Be yourself. You don’t have to make people laugh if humor isn’t your strong suit, and you don’t have to be super slick either. The best speakers aren’t necessarily hilarious or dynamic, Cain says. Instead, they’re just interesting. They communicate valuable information. Don’t underestimate the value in what you know and what you have to share with your audience.

2. Develop an onstage persona. It’s important to be yourself, but it can also help to develop a persona for when you’re presenting. Think about why people like costume parties. Cain says it’s because they often feel liberated when interacting from behind a mask. Think about your onstage persona the same way. You may not be super outgoing in the office or a natural-born storyteller but pick a role to slip into before your presentation.

3. Serve your audience. Keep in mind that your job is to convey helpful information. You’re not seeking approval, Cain says, but rather you’re a teacher, a giver and an enlightener. Most introverts have a knack for listening well, which allows them to understand others’ needs. Tap into this skill every time you give a presentation.

4. Accept your nerves. Many introverts tend to shy away from the spotlight, and that’s OK. Cain says if you have stage fright, learn to accept it and work with it.

5. Try some calming techniques. How do you present well when you’re a bundle of nerves? Cain has a few ideas. For starters, try shaking your arms and legs. She says this gets the blood flowing. Then, stand up straight, shifting your weight back and forth. This, she says, gives you the sensation of forward momentum. Finally, talk with your tongue out to loosen up vocally.

6. Smile. Cain recommends smiling as you enter the room and again when you begin speaking. Not only can it help calm your nerves, but it can also convey positivity. Smiling can help you seem more trustworthy and competent. 

Whether you’re presenting a project update to your team or pitching to a panel of prospective clients, you can give a memorable, impactful presentation. Be yourself and aim to enlighten your audience. Remember that you have information that’s useful to them. And when you’re speaking, don’t forget to smile. It’s an effective, simple way to help you feel relaxed and connected to your audience.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Susan Cain is a best-selling author, award-winning speaker and entrepreneur.