How do you handle fear from public speaking when pitching the product or giving a presentation?

A few days ago, I asked several people for a video testimonial.

Many of them:

– were shy about appearing on camera

– felt insecure because English isn't their native language

– and even more were discouraged by the fact that they had to sign a release form to allow us to publish the video

Considering that we spend our whole lives selling ourselves (whether it's pitching a product, giving a presentation, or persuading someone), maybe it's worth facing this fear.

👉 How do you make sure you give a convincing speech/presentation, and how do you face the fear?

Experienced advice is welcome. It could significantly increase our chances of success and help people remember us in a positive light.

I have a few tips:

• Write down on paper the structure (problems and solutions you want to talk about)

• Practice in front of the mirror or camera (to replay it later and notice mistakes)

• Hire a coach or watch TED X presentations (learn from the best speakers)

• Attend small events dedicated to negotiations and debates (e.g. Toastmasters)

• Be confronted by friends (they can prepare simulated questions so nobody can surprise you later)

• Breathing techniques and non-verbal communication – once I interviewed a voice coach for Slovak Forbes and she advised the following techniques/practices:

  – practice non-verbal communication (upright posture)
  – adequate eye contact
  – making grimaces (e.g., alternately pursing your lips and smiling broadly) to activate the jaw muscles
  – imitating different sounds
  – yawning is a great help because it stretches the muscles in the throat – the larynx is lower than in the starting position and relaxes.