7 Top Tips to Boost Your Presentation - Tip 1: Getting in Control of Your Emotional State

We have started advertising our Delivering Impressive Presentations workshop on the 10th of November and as if by magic NLP life sent us a really great article on 7 Top Tips to Boost Your Presentations by Michele Paradise which mirrors some of the skills and techniques included in our workshop. We thought we would share Michele's top tips with you over the next 6 days and if it sparks some interest or you would like to find out more about our workshop you can take a look on Saint Francis Hospice website or email us on sfh@positivechangeconsultancy.com.

TIP 1 - GETTING IN CONTROL OF YOUR EMOTIONAL STATE!

Michele say's that many people 'make themselves feel uncomfortable about the presentation they’re about to give: They convince themselves they’re going to have a terrifying time!'. Her and our advice is to 'Get your inner mind on side, not working against you'.

There are numerous techniques for taking charge of your emotional state. One of the simplest ways to do this is through controlled breathing. Michele describes this as 'Breathing For Calm'. As this is not the natural way most people breathe it is best to practice this technique in an unstressed state.

Michele says's 'Here’s what you do:

Pay attention to the area just behind your belly button, and notice that when you breathe you can take a really deep breath by pushing the muscle that is right down there outwards. Focus on that part of your body when you breathe, and in a relaxed way, prevent your rib-cage from swinging upwards and outwards.

It might take you a few moments to master the knack of finding that diaphragm muscle, but when you do,focus on it. Imagine that you are inflating a ball right at the bottom of your lungs, or in your stomach every time you breathe in. Set your imagination running, and your body will follow.

Now go a step further, really take a deep breath from the diaphragm. Inhale it steadily and slowly, and once it’s all in, hold it and count slowly to five.

Then exhale slowly, pushing all the air out, and go again, repeating the cycle three times.'

Through controlling our breathing and using this technique it has a calming effect on both our body and our mind.  'Because you have taken your attention away from the things that were going on in your head, your mind has stopped “whirling” with terrible thoughts. At the same time, your body is more relaxed and you are thus not sending negative “stressy” kinaesthetic signals for your mind to feed on!'

Another way to get control of your emotional state is through simply through having a PMA (positive mental attitude), Michele say's 'Now’s your chance to take control. See yourself being an absolute star on stage or when you meet someone, see yourself being calm and collected, and feel how good that feels.'

Remember 'Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.'  ~Winston Churchill

Look out for Tip Two - Set Your Goals Clearly tomorrow!! If you would like a copy of the article please contact us and we will be happy to send it to you.