Effective presentation skills are essential for SBLs delivering CPD, yet building the confidence to stand in front of an audience can be challenging—here are practical strategies to help
CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on CPDUK
Whether it’s presenting to your team, giving a speech at an event, or leading an annual training workshop, standing in front of an audience can be nerve-wracking. For SBLs aiming to deliver impactful CPD, strong presentation skills are crucial, yet many find it challenging to feel confident and self-assured in front of an audience.
This article offers strategies to help improve these essential skills, making it easier to engage effectively and confidently with your audience.
People Are on Your Side
Presenting in front of an audience can be nerve-wracking, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. You want to leave a positive impression, but it’s easy for stress to take over and divert your focus from what’s important. Try to keep nerves at bay by reminding yourself that the audience isn’t there to judge you—in fact, most people are on your side and are likely grateful it’s you up there and not them!
To help ease pre-presentation jitters, consider arriving at the venue a little early. Give yourself time to breathe deeply, set up your space, and get comfortable. Setting out essentials like water, notepads, and any materials you need can help you feel prepared and in control.
You Are in Control
In most situations, your audience is in a receptive state, ready to follow your lead and learn from you. Training attendees are generally open to guidance, and taking charge of the environment reinforces your confidence and expertise. Remember, you’re in control—most people won’t notice if you make a small mistake or skip a part. Apologising for minor errors or distractions can unintentionally signal a lack of confidence. Instead, simply move on, and if necessary, revisit the point later. Chances are, no one will even notice!
Managing Fear
Most fears around public speaking stem from a lack of confidence, control, or a fear of the unknown. The best way to overcome these fears is thorough preparation. Plan, practice, and then practice some more. Get to the main message of your presentation early—attention spans can be short, and a restless audience can easily make you feel unsure. Engaging your listeners with relevant case studies, stories, and examples will capture their interest and boost your confidence, helping you deliver a more impactful presentation.
Get to Know the Tech
Few things are more frustrating than a screen freezing mid-presentation or scrambling under a desk to sort out tangled wires. Familiarize yourself with the technology before your presentation. Take a few minutes to practice with tools like screens, remotes and volume controls—this extra preparation can save you from unexpected tech troubles and help your presentation run smoothly.
By keeping these strategies in mind—trusting that your audience is supportive, staying in control and familiarising yourself with the tech—you’ll be well-equipped to deliver your presentations with confidence and ease. With each experience, presenting will feel more natural.
Fear of public speaking, glossophobia vector illustration. Cartoon nervous male speaker character standing at podium with microphones in front of audience, fright and anxiety of shy person on stage
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