If the idea of standing up in front of a crowd of people makes you want to run, take some comfort in knowing that you’re certainly not alone. When it comes to presenting in front of your class, we know how much anxiety that can stir up. There’s always a point throughout those academic years that require us to swallow that fear and dive in. Before you have to get up in front of your class, here are some handy tips to help you get prepared and relaxed for that class presentation.
Know What You’re Going to Say
Getting up and just speaking off the top of your mind is not something that anyone should rely on when presenting. If you’re not used to public speaking, the chances are that once you stand up in front of that crowd, you could be left in a dazed state where the only words that come to mind are “uh oh.”
Organize your information well in advance and know what you’re going to say. Having cue cards is always an acceptable and smart idea to help you along in case your memory fails you.
Use Visual Aids
Of course, just reading information aloud may convey your message and information, but it may also put your audience into a near comatose state of boredom. Every good presentation should have some sort of visual aspect to aid in relaying information and making the presentation more appealing and stimulating for the audience. Plus, it’s a great way to help you remember what to say and when to say it.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Finally, there’s no better way to be prepared for anything (especially public speaking) than by practicing. Stand in front of your mirror and present to it yourself. After a few times of doing that, grab your best friend, sibling, or anyone with a good set of ears to practice in front of. It may feel silly, but it is truly the best way of remembering your information, while practicing good presentation skills and gaining some critical feedback on how to improve.
How Karate Can Help
Standing at the front of the class in front of all your peers is a lot like standing on the mat at a karate tournament. All eyes are on you, and it’s your opportunity to put all of your hard work and preparation to the test. You may be nervous or scared of failure, but think back to your training. Karate can help build confidence, focus, and discipline. These traits honed at the dojo can be applied in all other areas of your life, including at school.
Presenting in front of your class is a tough endeavour that we all must endure at some point. But you can ease that burden and anxiety by carrying out these three steps. Preparation will help you feel more confident and relaxed so that you can excel during your speech and get better grades when all is said and done.
