As of tomorrow, everyone in Business 2257 will have finished their presentations! Thursday is when the semi-finals begin and I wish everyone who has made it onto the next stage all the best!
I was so impressed by the diversity of ideas in all the presentations in my class. I’m sure all ideas across all the sections were just as interesting.
Just as Jennifer offered some of her top tips for the report aspect of the project, this was my experience with the presentation aspect of the report.
I think of a presentation as a persuasive stage performance. This helps me get out of my own head and into a “character”. In this case, it was as a business owner of my group’s company. This type of thinking helps me project confidence as opposed to my reflexive reaction which is to curl up and take a nap. And remember, Beyonce does this too! Sasha Fierce anyone?
Practicing is super important and really does help! I don’t usually get too nervous speaking in front of a large group of people, but I have experienced moments where I just blank. Practicing to the point where the next words feel like muscle memory is key.
I always remind myself to go with the flooowwww. Every once in a while something will come out of my mouth and it takes a second for my brain to catch up. I just remind myself that I know what I’m talking about and instead of trying to repeat word for word what was written in the script, I explain my thinking.
I always remember to practice body language. Some people have a tendency to transfer weight back and forth from foot to foot which can be distracting to the audience (I call this the Steamboat Willie effect), whereas I have the tendency to pace and wander. I practice standing up and planting my feet. I compensate for my fiddly tendencies by incorporating hand gestures. I find that having certain gestures helps me remember what I’m saying.
And lastly, what’s the worst that could happen? You forget your lines? I will always remember forgetting my lines for a skit (which were all rhyming), in the 7th grade, in front of the whole school (grades 7-12). I was completely mortified but I made something up on the spot. I did get a pity clap….I’ll always remember that pity clap… However, the important thing to take away from this is that everyone is on your side when you’re in the spotlight! Everyone has been there, everyone gets a little bit nervous. And hey! You’ll be fine. I believe in you!
So to all of us in bus. 2257, let’s all give one collective sigh! Here’s to everyone in the home stretch!
Best wishes,
Karen
PS Confession: My hands are still shaking from my presentation which ended a good hour ago…
PPS Sorry, there are no pictures. I am currently writing this from campus waiting for my next class…