Last year I presented a 10 min presentation at the Innovation Summit. It's a conference here in Juneau, Alaska where hundreds of people in all kinds of backgrounds gather and learn together. As a way to get better at public speaking and bump up my network and get out of my comfort zone I signed up to present again this year.
Speaking in front of people, even if it's a room of 10 people, it's a fear ingrained deep inside me since I've been a child. It makes me nervous, speak too fast, and honestly just black out. But what comes from stepping out of my comfort zone, the benefit from doors opening from networking, is too great to stop me from public speaking.
I know I'm not the only one who gets the icky feeling of speaking in front of a crowd. If you're an introvert as well, and need a boost of confidence before your presentations, let's dive in.
As introverts, we like to choose our words carefully, which is probably why It's hard for us to 'wing it'. This leads me to the first public speaking tip for introverts.
1.Practice, Don't Memorize
Fear comes from not knowing so it makes sense that we can eleviate a lot of fear through practice. But also don't memorize your speech word for word. Remember the key concepts and practice out loud as much as you can. I like to practice atleast once a day the week before I present. It helps me feel confident and not trip over my words as much.
Use your slides to trigger those key points in your memory and expand on them.
2. Practice in Front of Someone
I normally do a run through in front of my husband and I always get the same feedback, slow down. That's also not the first time I've been told to slow down, or that my energy is chaotic.
When I'm nervous I definitely word vomit and speak too quickly which probably is a huge reason why I tend to black out or ramble and forget what I'm talking about when I public speak.
If I never practiced in front of someone I wouldn't know to slow down and breathe and thats feedback that I keep in mind anytime I speak in front of a crowd. Last thing, it's okay to have pauses in your speech, not only does it give you time to take a breath but it gives people time to digest their own thoughts and adds confidence to your presentation and communication skills.
3. Record yourself
I was teaching a web design class last year and someone wanted to take some pictures.
I would have never known that I needed to be more mindful with my body language. My arms were in a weird unconfident position with my left arm on my opposite shoulder.
After I saw those photos I knew I needed to present confidence with my body language. Stand up straight, shoulders back and head high.
I'm sure if I record myself I would find other physical things I do that don't come off as a confident presenter. I'll definitely have to have someone record me next time.
4. Take your time
There's no rush, speak slow and don't be afraid to take pauses. It's super common to think you need to fill in every second but trust me when I say there's power and confidence in silence. It gives the listener time to reflect and it gives you time to collect your thoughts. If it feels awkward, which it probably will, pause by taking a sip of water or before you read your next slide.
5. Just do it
The more you do something the better you get at it, it's no secret. Everyone knows it takes confidence to get in front of people and speak, if something happens the audience will show you grace. If they don't those are not your people anyways.
6. Take some quiet time for yourself before the presentation
Go in the bathroom and take a couple of deep breaths. Go in your car and listen to some pump up music. Find a quiet spot and just relax. You've prepared for this moment. Believe in yourself!
And there you have it 6 quick presentation tips for introverts. Here they are again
1.Practice, Don't Memorize
2. Practice in Front of Someone
3. Record yourself
4. Take your time
5. Just do it
6. Take some quiet time for yourself before the presentation
The more you practice speaking the more confident you will be. Remember at the end of the day its not about you. It's about bringing value to your audience. As long as you keep that in mind you're golden. Learning to love being a public speaker is going to be the best thing for your business. Imagine what that confidence will do for your discovery calls, podcast interviews or even social media! You'll be unstoppable.
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