Feel a little nervous before giving a presentation? It’s totally normal. Whether you’re presenting in front of your team or a client, those nerves show that you care. You just don’t want those shaky-voiced, heart-racing feelings to get in the way of your message.

Amber Johnson, PhD knows what it’s like to feel butterflies before taking to the stage. She delivered a TEDx Talk earlier this year and recalls feeling almost overwhelmed by nerves. However, when she stepped onto the stage, heard the audience applause and paused to take a deep breath, those nerves settled down, and she did what she came to do — connect with the audience though a compelling talk.

In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we highlight some of Johnson’s most valuable lessons for giving an unforgettable presentation — even if you’re not speaking on a TEDx stage.

  1. Prepare, prepare, prepare. Johnson points out that TEDx Talks are scripted and carefully rehearsed. While not every presentation requires the same level of intensity, each one deserves your preparation. Be thoughtful with your opening and closing segments and pay attention to the transitions between sections or topics.

  2. Write for an audience of 1. What does that person need to hear? Focusing on 1 person enables you to maintain a more human tone rather than falling into the impersonal voice of “the expert,” Johnson says.

  3. Be vulnerable. Vulnerability builds credibility, she says, so let the audience know why something matters to you. People need to trust your promo expertise, but they also want to feel your humanity.

  4. Draw from research but let the ideas be your own. Johnson recalls that as she prepared her TEDx Talk, she wanted to fill her presentation with citations. She’s grateful her coach challenged her to focus on the content that was unique to her. Give people your own unique take on things.

  5. Simplify your points and shorten your talk. Johnson learned through the TEDx organization that 9 minutes is an ideal length for talks. When people are asked to listen for too long, they retain less of what is said. 

  6. Invite feedback from invested individuals. Don’t let yourself get too busy or too proud to follow this tip. Ask a trusted co-worker or mentor to listen to your presentation and give you their honest feedback.

  7. Breathe before you speak. When it’s time to start, Johnson says you shouldn’t stand up and start immediately. First, take a breath. Don’t rush yourself. Ensure that your breathing is calm before you begin.

  8. Don’t expect perfection. You don’t have to give the “perfect” presentation. TEDx Talks look perfect on video, she says, because they were recorded, with forgotten lines and the “ums” removed. Embrace imperfection and let your preparation carry you.

The same habits that elevate TED-style Talks work just as well in everyday sales meetings. When you lean into clarity and authenticity, you’ll communicate with more confidence and leave your audience feeling genuinely engaged.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Amber Johnson, PhD, is a Chicago-based leadership development consultant, coach and communications expert.