Most people can vividly remember the first time they had to give an oral report in school. A racing heart, sweaty hands and jumbled words typically come to mind when we recall these memories.
No matter how cool and collected someone appears to be, giving a presentation can still be stress-inducing. For some, this means more than a few butterflies. The fear of public speaking, or Glossophobia, is a very common phobia characterized by a strong fear of public speaking and is more common than you might think. The National Social Anxiety Center estimated in 2017 that Glossophobia affects around 73% of the population.
Ways to Avoid Presentation Nerves
Are you an L&D leader tasked with training employees in giving presentations? We all know how nerve-wracking it can be to stand in front of an audience and speak. But with these three tips, your employees can say goodbye to presentation jitters and give a killer presentation.
Keep it visual
First, keep it visual. Humans are visual learners, so avoid text-heavy slides and opt for engaging visuals instead. Stick to the 10/20/30 rule, which means your presentation should be no longer than 10 slides, 20 minutes, or use fonts smaller than a 30 point size.
Preparation is key
Beyond just knowing the material, it's crucial to ensure your employees receive dynamic training that includes personalized coaching and live practice. At Bundle, we offer Effective Communication sessions with a trained communication coach who can help your employees craft and deliver their presentations effectively. We also offer coaching sessions to ensure that the presentation aligns with your employees' career goals.
Our training sessions provide your employees with the opportunity to receive feedback in real-time, which helps them to adjust and improve their delivery. With Bundle's personalized and live practice sessions, your employees can develop the confidence they need to give an outstanding presentation.
Take a Deep Breath
Finally, encourage your employees to take a breath (or two or three). Deep breathing before a presentation is proven to lower heart rate and create a sense of calmness. A few moments of focused breathing can calm the mind and add a sense of relaxation to the body language.
You can also have your employees sign up for a wide variety of our sessions on mindfulness, meditation and breathing techniques ahead of their presentation.
At Bundle, we offer Professional Development and Health and Wellness sessions that can help your employees feel more confident and prepared for presentations. With these tips and the support of Bundle, your employees can overcome their fear of public speaking and give an unforgettable presentation.
Training your employees in public speaking can be daunting. Bundle is the only 1:1 live skills development solution that specializes in human-centered skills, designing and delivering curated content facilitated live by experts and driven by interactive instruction. Bundle training programs weave together the techniques and perspective learners need to step forward with confidence.
If you're ready to implement a skill building solution that lasts at your organization... speak with a Bundle Human today.
