How can you take a playful approach to planning and practicing for your next gig? If you are going it alone without a public speaking coach, here are six steps from veteran PR pro Rosemary Ravinal you can take on your own to prepare for your presentation through playtime.
By Rosemary Ravinal
Stage fright: nervousness, shaking, sweaty palms, trembling legs, dry mouth, and rapid breathing. Yes, it has happened to anyone and everyone who speaks, presents, or performs in public. The antidote is taming the fear that is in us all.
Visualizing audiences naked to counter nervousness has been taught by public speaking coaches and presentation experts for years. It is a classic concept that has reached its expiration date. Or, you might say that it still applies in the age of video conferencing when you can only see people from the waist up. But be forewarned, many people have tarnished their careers and reputations by showing more on Zoom than what was appropriate for the occasion.
For me, the idea of talking to naked audiences never worked. I felt it disrespected everyone who came to hear me speak and distracted me from my goal of making our time together worthwhile. For my coaching clients, the analogy of naked men and women staring back at you seems childish. Yet, the idea of playfulness is something I do encourage to counter jittery nerves.
The fear of failure, of embarrassment, of being judged by your words and appearance on the physical and virtual stages can tip the scales of confidence. In my last blog, I explored the concept of stepping into your performance anxiety to become a better speaker. Here, I propose trying some playtime, too. Bring out the child in you through playful exercises to release inhibitions and build poise. Through playtime, the body, mind, and emotions come together harmoniously. You will feel more relaxed and centered when you speak.
Caution: It is highly recommended that playtime be combined with rigorous and methodical preparation for your next speech, oral presentation, press conference, job interview, conference panel, board meeting, or anywhere you will be in the spotlight. It may sound trite but there is no substitute for practice.
1. Draw a mind map.
Make doodles and scribbles of what you want to say instead of writing it down word for word. A mind map is a visual thinking tool and a graphical way to structure concepts for better recall. Use the visuals as memory triggers for the main ideas you want to convey.
2. Play a game of charades.
Act out your messages like you are playing charades or another pantomime party game before a small group of friends. By practicing with non-verbal language—hand gestures, eye contact, and facial expressions–you will help your audience understand your ideas better than with spoken words alone.
3. Take an improv class.
Enroll in an improv class to sharpen your non-verbal communication and body language awareness. Improvisation classes have become part of the business leadership curriculum because they foster spontaneous thinking and creativity and strengthen emotional and social skills.
4. Sing like a rock star.
Rehearse your speech or presentation out loud with the zest you feel singing along with Queen to We are the champions. Experiment with volume, rate of speech, and pitch to add vocal variety to your talk. Record yourself and unleash the rock star in you.
5. Visualize joy.
As you rehearse, daydream back to a moment of pure joy: your favorite holiday gift, your first kitten, the most delicious birthday cake you ever tasted. Associate your presentation with that moment of bliss to animate your delivery and calm your nerves when it is showtime.
6. Have fun.
Enjoy every moment, be present, and don’t obsess about the outcome. Laugh at your mistakes. Be vulnerable and unguarded and your competence and authenticity will shine through when you take the stage.
For more tips on how to improve your presence and public speaking online and in person, visit Rosemary Ravinal’s blog: https://rosemaryravinal.com/
