Get Set...
While Students are Waiting
Just before training begins, and while participants are arriving, can be a challenging time.
Most people are uncomfortable, to some degree, with public speaking even when they are experienced presenters.
You may start feeling nervous, and that's natural. It's important to have this time planned out.
Research has shown that the number one thing people do not want to do is present training. Most people are uncomfortable, to some degree, with public speaking even when they are experienced presenters. It's called "stage fright." Below is a two-step process for overcoming stage fright.
- Prepare the mind by putting everything in perspective with a little self-talk. Tell yourself students are here to learn from you, they want you to be a good trainer, because they'll learn more that way. Focus on them and making sure they understand the material. Don't worry about your performance, you're just the messenger. Deliver the message. Accept the fact that you will be nervous and, in fact, put that nervous energy into an energetic delivery.
- Prepare the body. Get familiar with the training environment, including the lighting, temperature, and layout of the classroom. You can do this during your practice session and also by arriving early on the day of training to check that everything is in order. Drink non-dairy fluids to soothe your vocal cords and prevent a dry or sore throat from extensive talking during the session (fluids with dairy create excess mucus, which could make it difficult to speak clearly for an extended period of time). You may also want to learn relaxation techniques and develop a standard ritual before training sessions to relax and prepare yourself.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-1. According to research, most people do not want to _____.
You forgot to answer the question!