Learn how to help your team overcome stage fright and improve their presentation skills with these tips on identifying the root causes, providing positive feedback, practicing, relaxing, and having fun.

Nothing beats practice practice practice. Recently one of my team mentioned to me that when they are on stage, they are thinking on how to finish the presentation as fast as possible. So I told them that is not the right attitude. I told them to instead think about enjoying the presentation, taking the time to connect with the audience and not feeling like they need to be off the stage asap. I saw immediate improvement at the next presentation

How can you help your team overcome stage fright?

Stage fright is a common challenge for many people who have to deliver presentations, especially in front of unfamiliar or large audiences. It can affect your confidence, your voice, your body language, and your message. However, you don't have to let it stop you or your team from giving effective and engaging presentations. Here are some tips on how you can help your team overcome stage fright and improve their presentation skills.

1 Identify the root causes

The first step to overcoming stage fright is to understand what triggers it and how it manifests in your team members. Some common causes of stage fright are fear of failure, fear of judgment, fear of forgetting, or fear of the unknown. Some common symptoms of stage fright are nervousness, sweating, shaking, dry mouth, or racing heart. Ask your team members to reflect on their own experiences and share what makes them anxious and how they cope with it. This can help you tailor your support and feedback to their specific needs and challenges.

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Ademide Akinola 🌹

Virtual assistant|| I help Business owners and Founders BOOT their PRODUCTIVITY by offering EFFICIENT administrative support||Content writer
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Almost every one experience stage fright, and most of the times it happens basically because of nothing it's just the fear of facing the crowd One of the best ways to overcome stage fright is to practice, practice and practice Visualize while practicing, honestly nothing beats that Try having fun while facing the crowd and you will definitely forget the word "stage fright"

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2 Provide positive feedback and encouragement

One of the best ways to help your team overcome stage fright is to boost their confidence and morale. Provide positive feedback and encouragement before, during, and after their presentations. Highlight their strengths, acknowledge their improvements, and celebrate their achievements. Avoid harsh or negative criticism that can damage their self-esteem or motivation. Instead, offer constructive and specific suggestions on how they can improve their presentation skills and overcome their weaknesses. Also, encourage your team members to support each other and give each other compliments and praise.

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3 Practice, practice, practice

Another key to overcoming stage fright is to practice as much as possible. Practice can help your team members improve their content, delivery, and timing of their presentations. It can also help them reduce their anxiety and nervousness by making them more familiar and comfortable with their material and audience. Encourage your team members to practice their presentations in front of a mirror, a recorder, a camera, or a small group of peers. Give them feedback and tips on how they can improve their presentation skills and overcome their stage fright. Also, encourage them to practice in different settings and scenarios to prepare for any unexpected situations or challenges.

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Dr Azhar Ahmad 🩺

Doktor in pharma industry —> No 8 LinkedIn content creator in Malaysia. I write about career & life everyday
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Nothing beats practice practice practice. Recently one of my team mentioned to me that when they are on stage, they are thinking on how to finish the presentation as fast as possible. So I told them that is not the right attitude. I told them to instead think about enjoying the presentation, taking the time to connect with the audience and not feeling like they need to be off the stage asap. I saw immediate improvement at the next presentation

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Shenwei Teo

Intention. Attention. Attitude. Calibrate.
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1. Help in their scripting. 2. Video their presentation. And go back to watch it together and notice the not so smooth parts. Improve on them. 3. Prepare answers to questions that may be asked, even the curve ball ones.

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Meridith Grundei ✨

For Visionaries & Bold Leaders Who Dare to Stand Out: I Help You Command Attention & Create Unforgettable Experiences | Public Speaking Coach, Trainer & Professional Speaker 🎙️
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Practice will definitely help but HOW you practice is important so here are a few tips to help you out: 1). Walk and talk. And talk out loud. If it is a virtual presentation then speak out loud and directly to the camera. Do this standing at a standing desk or raise your computer screen. 2.) Chunk out your presentation so you aren't biting off more than you can chew. Practice a section for 20 mins. take a 5-10 min. break. Practice another section for 20. Repeat. Don't overwhelm the process. 3). As you practice, visualize yourself doing a great job. 4). Find a someone to do your presentation for. I recommend a colleague. Your family pet, family members or the mirror are not as effective. Raise the stakes.

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Dr. Nitiyanantam Perremal 🎯

Division Head, Medical Affairs & Quality and Medical Services| MBA Healthcare Management | LFOM (Ireland) | MBBS (Mal) | HRD Corp Accredited TTT |
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Also, gradually build confidence by starting with smaller audiences and focus on the importance of the message, not the audience's reaction.

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4 Use relaxation techniques

Stage fright can also be reduced by using relaxation techniques before and during the presentations. Relaxation techniques can help your team members calm their nerves, control their breathing, and focus their attention. Some examples of relaxation techniques are deep breathing, meditation, visualization, positive affirmations, or listening to music. Teach your team members some relaxation techniques and encourage them to use them whenever they feel anxious or stressed. Also, remind them to avoid caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine that can worsen their stage fright.

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Grace Awofolajin

Health writer/Professional wellness coach/Transformational Public Speaker/Distinctive graphics designer. I empower individuals, start-up and corporate brands to achieve optimal health and visual excellence.
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Relaxation techniques are great ways in relieving tension and stage fright. Practicing deep breathing and saying some affirmations such as "I know I can do this", "This presentation is going to be a walk in the park" and many more are sure ways to relieve anxiety and come out victorious.

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5 Have fun and enjoy the experience

Finally, one of the best ways to help your team overcome stage fright is to have fun and enjoy the experience. Remind your team members that presentations are not exams or punishments, but opportunities to share their knowledge, ideas, and opinions with others. Encourage them to be themselves, use humor, tell stories, and interact with their audience. Also, remind them that no one is perfect and that mistakes are inevitable and acceptable. Help them learn from their mistakes and improve their presentation skills. Most importantly, help them appreciate the value and benefits of giving presentations and how they can enhance their personal and professional growth.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you help your team overcome stage fright?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Identify the root causes

2 Provide positive feedback and encouragement

3 Practice, practice, practice

4 Use relaxation techniques

5 Have fun and enjoy the experience

6 Here’s what else to consider

Presentation Skills

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How can you help your team overcome stage fright?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Identify the root causes

2 Provide positive feedback and encouragement

3 Practice, practice, practice

4 Use relaxation techniques

5 Have fun and enjoy the experience

6 Here’s what else to consider

Presentation Skills

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