How to Transform Your Presentations in 2020

I was recently leading a workshop and one participant was a bundle of nerves. He fidgeted in his seat, moved with nervous energy, and when he got up to speak, he spoke a mile a minute without stopping or taking a break.

There are plenty of techniques you can employ to be a better speaker, but in this particular instance, I knew what would be the quickest solution.

Breathing.

I asked him to follow this simple pattern of breathing three times: Breathe in through the nose for the count of 2, then slowly exhale through the mouth doubling the time to 4. Then, breathe in through the nose for 3, then out through the mouth for 6. Lastly, breathe in through the nose for 4, then finally double that to 8. It's easy to remember: 2:4, 3:6, 4:8.

The next time he got up to speak, it was as if he was a completely different person. He couldn't believe it was that simple. 

Whether you're presenting at a conference, to senior management, or to your team, nerves are a normal part of the experience. You should expect them to show up every time. Go through this breathing exercise at least three times before you begin to calm and ground yourself. Find a bathroom stall a few minutes beforehand, or discreetly breathe as you're waiting for your time to speak.

Remember: 2:4, 3:6, 4:8. Three times (at least). It's the secret ingredient that will give you the calm you need when the pressure is on.