Would you go out on a ball court as a professional basketball player during the NBA finals and not mentally prepare yourself?
Or better yet would you hit a battle field without at the very least doing a group war cry?
Chances are your answer is no!
Then why in the world would you put yourself in a situation where you are about to go up on stage in front of a group of strangers and not properly pump yourself up (mentally of course).
It’s not just about fear…
When people think about psyching themselves up or “pumping” themselves up before Public speaking the majority of people associate this with being fearful.
I’m here to tell you psyching yourself up has way more benefits than conquering fear.
For starters, pumping yourself up can put you in what professional athletes like to refer as “the zone”.
A highly focused and confident individual can do marvels when they are up on stage.
My goal in this blog post is to share with you my personal favorite ways of “pumping myself up” before any big presentation.
Hopefully my techniques will speak to you.
Enjoy!
Let’s Get Ready to Psych Yourself Up Before Your Next Big Presentation!
Music…
Nothing gets me more focused and energized than some music.
Music can sooth the soul or release the beast!
My go to genre of music before any presentation?
Hard Rock!
Something about those guitar riffs, baselines and snare drums get me revving and ready to go!
Now granted…
While Hard rock may be my go to genre that doesn’t mean popping in some classical tunes won’t do it for other people.
Try playing around with the type of music that’ll get you going.
You may be surprised by the genre you pick.
Drink a Hot Beverage…
No… We’re not talking about a Hot Toddy here folks!
The last thing you want is to mix booze and public speaking, it does not end well!
While most may look at a hot beverage as the opposite of pumping yourself up…
I’ll tell you this… there’s something to be said about a hot beverage hitting your stomach to get your insides under control.
For some, that bit of caffeine from coffee or tea can be that extra bit of jolt they needed where as others may want to stay clear of caffeinated beverages.
For those worried of being wired to only later on have a caffeine crash there are alternatives.
Check this nifty list of un-caffeinated beverages.
Play to your Ego…
I like to surround myself with people before any presentation.
Especially people who are showing me an interest in the topic I will be discussing.
Before any Public Speaking event you will find people scattered about.
This is your opportunity to mingle.
If for any reason you cannot connect with interested individuals, no worries….
While up on stage make sure to hone in on individuals that are showing interest, you can point them out by their physical actions such as blinking, shifting and nodding.
If you come across a glassy eyed individual who has an agape mouth you may want to steer your attention to someone else.
Be Your Biggest Fan…
One of my favorite techniques to get mentally charged is talking to myself in a mirror before a presentation.
I’m not talking Robert De Niro style here…
This technique goes by many names such as Self- Therapy, Mirror – Therapy or my favorite “The Mirror Technique”.
While it may have many names there is usually one outcome and that is the building of your self-confidence.
By reaffirming your strengths and attributes you’ll be mentally preparing yourself to take on any mishaps during your presentation.
It’s all about Visualization…
Ok…I know it may sound corny but visualizing your success can help you achieve true success.
Right before I hit that stage I like to envision myself smoothly presenting, the audience engaged, people laughing, asking questions, the whole nine yards!
Something about picturing my success brings ease to my head.
I am a true believer of negative thoughts bringing negative results.
Take a few minutes right before you go on and close your eyes and paint out everything you want to happen while you’re on that stage in your mind.
At the very least it will put a smile on your face and that’s not a bad way to get the ball rolling!
Best of luck on your next presentation!
Rule the Room Public Speaking Extra
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