6 tips to help shy speakers make strong presentations

Being timid doesn’t mean you can’t deliver a great speech. Here are some tricks to overcome the butterflies and win over your audience.

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This article originally ran in 2019 and is part of our annual countdown of the most-viewed stories from PR Daily.

Public speaking can be terrifying, especially if you are a shy person.

However, being that shouldn’t stop you from becoming an outstanding presenter. The world is filled with successful speakers and entertainers who tend to clam up in large public settings.

The key is to expand themselves and open up to the possibility of spending at least part of their time in a gregarious state. It might not feel comfortable at first, but it is a crucial step for anyone who wants to be a more effective communicator.

Here are some tips to help reserved speakers give solid presentations:

1. Prepare like an athlete.

Before every presentation make sure to warm up your body and mind. You could try some stretching or yoga exercises or go for a brisk walk. It is helpful to get all the tension out of your body first, and then focus your mind on the outcome you want to achieve.

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