Don't Picture the crowd with no clothes - it doesn't work!
A long time ago I used to write presentations for medical faculty. They would write down what and I would write powerpoints and write it up to flow with some "lightness" to it. I remember one doc was so nervous that I was not sure they were going to make it through. So I said picture everyone nude - the doc looks at me and says - I see that type of stuff everyday - that is never going to work. So I suggested a couple things:
1. Look at foreheads not eyeballs - sometimes locking eyes with someone can un nerve you especially if they are not following you are don't agree.
2. Try to relate a story or situation that can make people like you a little and they will give you a chance
3. Last, watch for the engage thing you talk about. Once you have an audience, keep them by engaging with stories or the knowledge of the topic.
I think the thought of picturing the people I work with in the subject line - makes me want to go blind - - no it just did. What do you think Dr. M
I agree with everyone else that would make me more nervous.
Cynthia,
great point & I agree, use that nervousness for energy in the presentation.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Once upon a time I was taught that when the day comes that you don't have butterflies in your stomach is the day you need to change jobs.
Meanwhile, you will always have butterflies, you just need to make them fly in formation! Practice, practice, practice.
Heather,
so true & I think you especially nailed it with your last comments about being humble & compassionate. This will go miles toward the audience accepting what I have to say & being tolerant of me being imperfect.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I completely agree with Alise. You don’t have to imagine the audience in their underwear in order to put them in proper perspective. They probably have a similar fear of presenting in-front of crowds. Additionally, we as humans make mistakes, which is normal and natural. You don’t have to have a perfect presentation. Being prepared and practicing helps minimize mistakes, but if a mistake is made it will be minimal and forgiven if you are communicating in a conversational, humble, and compassionate way.
Kevin,
I like what you said here, especially the part about keeping presentations humorous & enlightening.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree the idea of the crowd being in their underwear is disturbing. As fsr as making eye contact I always look at the foreheads, this has worked for me going on 8 years now.
I'm very shy when it comes to crowds, so i always start out with a funny story that goes with the presentation. This not only helps me lossen up but it breaks the ice and makes the group more at ease as well. I keep my presentation humorous and enlighting. People tend to learn more when it's a relaxed and easygoing atmosphere. You just have to be careful not to get off track and make sure your serious when delivering major points.
Alise,
and the better prepared I am, the more I can truly feel like I am the expert in that moment.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think the original thought was that then the audience would 'lose power' sitting in their underwear. One thing that REALLY helped me was when I realized that 99.9% of my audience, esp. if it was colleagues, was just grateful they weren't up in front of an audience...that made me feel much more at ease. Most people don't like giving presentations for fear of making a mistake. Much of that can be eliminated with preparation so that the topic can be discussed rather than 'spewed' at the audience off a list or script. I almost failed public speaking in college, now, I've been an instructor for over 8 years...who knew?
Mia,
great points, especially about preparation. I think we try to come up with gimmicks (i.e. no clothes) to make up for the lack of preparation. If we prepare, we should feel much more confident.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree. I am not sure where the idea came from of picturing someone naked. Seems to me if you do that, you might lose your train of thought. Something that has helped me in making presentation is like you stated to not look attendees directly in the eye. Looking at their nose or forehead does work. Plus you find that after you start talking, your fears start to minimize. Another thing that has helped is being comfortable with what I am presenting. That could mean that I need to practice multiple times. But being comfortable also displays confidence.
Guy,
I agree with you that the old "picture them naked, in underwear, etc" doesn't work; it's just awkward. Rather I do like your suggestions. Try to look your audience in the "face" but not necessarily in the eyes if you're uncomfortable with that. And yes, the stories are a great way to get your audience on your side & really engage them in the material.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
