Putting together a presentation may seem simple to some, but for others, it’s a task that fills them with an overwhelming feeling of stress and uncertainty. If you've ever felt your heart racing and palms sweating at the thought of delivering a presentation, you're not alone. Together, let's turn those nerves into knowledge so you can tackle your next presentation with ease!



Building Confidence through Preparation

Feeling nervous before a presentation? Totally normal! The trickiest part of delivering presentations can often be the nerves that sit beforehand. Building confidence through preparation can be achieved in just a few simple steps. Take time to practice your presentation and jot down the key points you want to cover. By using tools like Canva, Prezi, and PowerPoint, you'll have a well-planned outline, providing a safety net so you won't feel lost during your presentation. The more presentations you do, the more confident you'll notice you become. It's like anything else in your apprenticeship— the more you do it, the easier it gets!

 

Engaging your audience with Ease

Engaging your audience can come as a challenge but is what makes a successful presentation. Getting your audience involved by asking questions and spicing up the presentation with a quiz would be a great place to start. Not only does this distract you from any nervousness, but it also keeps your audience apart of the presentation, making sure that the information you’re sharing is heard loud and clear. If you find your nerves taking over, a good way to calm them would be to ask your audience if they have any questions. This gives you time to regain your composure and gather your thoughts. As an apprentice, now is the perfect time to shadow your colleagues and learn from them. Why not ask to see previous presentations they've shared or sit in on any upcoming? This is a great way to pick up on their techniques to engage an audience.


The recipe for continuous Improvement

After delivering your presentation, receiving feedback is the recipe for continuous improvement. Reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Don't shy away from asking for constructive criticism from your colleagues or audience. Use their feedback as a learning opportunity to improve your presentation skills even more. Remember, each one you do is a chance to grow and be one step closer to delivering presentations with ease. 

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