Many people feel terrified when asked to talk in public, especially to bigger groups. However, these fears can be reduced by good preparation, which will also lay the groundwork for making an effective presentation.

Today, presentation skills are required in almost every field, and most of us are required to give presentations on occasions. While some people take this in their stride, others find it much more challenging.

Here are Our  best tips to improve your presentation skills.

1. Practice.

   Naturally, you will want to rehearse your presentation multiple times. While it can be difficult for those with packed schedules to spare time to practice, it is essential if you want to deliver a rousing presentation. I am famous around the office for staying up late the night before a big presentation, practicing repeatedly. If you really want to sound great, write out your speech rather than taking chances winging it – if you get nervous about speaking, a script is your best friend.

2. Transform Nervous Energy Into Enthusiasm.

   You have to submit to all those enthusiastic things that affect you in some way, but before that, make sure that you really understand your body and understand what needs it is excited about.

   The most important thing is to help you reach the desired goal, which is to transform all that negative energy inside you into an enthusiastic energy that naturally affects the audience listening to you.

3. Attend Other Presentations.

   If you are giving a talk as part of a conference, try to attend some of the earlier talks by other presenters to scope out their presentation skills and get some context. This shows respect for your fellow presenters while also giving you a chance to feel out the audience. What is the mood of the crowd? Are folks in the mood to laugh or are they a bit stiffer? Are the presentations strategic or tactical in nature? Another speaker may also say something that you can play off later in your own presentation.

4. Arrive Early.

   It is always best to allow yourself plenty of time to settle in before your talk. Extra time ensures you will not be late (even if Google Maps shuts down) and gives you plenty of time to get adapted to your presentation space.

5. Adjust to Your Surroundings.

   The more adjusted to your environment you are, the more comfortable you will feel. Make sure to spend some in the room where you will be delivering your presentation. If possible, practice with the microphone and lighting, make sure you understand the seating and be aware of any distractions potentially posed by the venue (e.g., a noisy road outside).

6. Meet and Greet.

   Do your best to chat with people before your presentation. Talking with audiences makes you seem more likeable and approachable. Ask event attendees questions and take in their responses. They may even give you some inspiration to weave into your talk.

7. Use Positive Visualization.

   Whether or not you are master, know that plenty of studies have proven the effectiveness of positive visualization. When we imagine a positive outcome to a scenario in our mind, it is more likely to play out the way we envision.

8. Take Deep Breaths.

   The go-to advice for jitters has truth to it. When we are nervous, our muscles tighten–you may even catch yourself holding your breath. Instead, go ahead and take those deep breaths to get oxygen to your brain and relax your body.

9. Smile.

   Smiling increases endorphins, replacing anxiety with calm and making you feel good about your presentation. Smiling also exhibits confidence and enthusiasm to the crowd. In addition, this tip works even if you are doing a webinar and people cannot see you.

10. Do not try to Cover Too Much Material.

    Yes, your presentations should be full of useful, insightful, and actionable information, but that does not mean you should try to condense a vast and complex topic into a 10-minute presentation.

    Knowing what to include, and what to leave out, is crucial to the success of a good presentation. I am not suggesting you skimp when it comes to data or including useful slides, but I am advocating for a rigorous editing process. If it feels too off-topic, or is only marginally relevant to your main points, leave it out. You can always use the excess material in another presentation.

11. Actively Engage the Audience.

    People love to talk and make their opinions heard, but the nature of presentations can often seem like a one-sided proposition. It does not have to be, though.

    Asking the audience what they think, inviting questions, and other means of welcoming audience participation can boost engagement and make attendees feel like a part of a conversation. It also makes you, the presenter, seem much more relatable. Consider starting with a poll or survey. Do not be put off by unexpected questions – instead, see them as an opportunity to give your audience what they want.

12. Admit you do not Have All the Answers.

    Very few presenters are willing to publicly concede that they do not actually know everything because they feel it undermines their authority. However, since we all know that nobody can ever know everything about a given topic, admitting so in a presentation can actually improve your credibility.

13. Do not fight the Fear.

    Accept your fear rather than trying to fight it. Getting yourself worked up by wondering if people will notice your nervousness will only intensify your anxiety. Remember, those jitters are not all bad – harness that nervous energy and transform it into positive enthusiasm and you will be golden. We salute you, O Captain! My Captain!

    Check out our courses for Communicating with impact, for more tips, which allows you broaden with useful combination of communication skills, Don’t miss our free subscription and sign in now.