JACQUELYN SMITH

10 Things You Should Do In The 15 Minutes Before A Big Presentation

JACQUELYN SMITH

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center/flickr

NASA scientist Laura Rocchio giving an Earth Day presentation.

"The human brain starts working the moment you are born and never stops until you stand up to speak in public." —George Jessel

In the 15 minutes before you're about to give a big, important presentation, it's too late to change the content of your speech, says Darlene Price, president, of Well Said, Inc. and author of "Well Said! Presentations and Conversations That Get Results."

Building blocks such as analyzing the audience, creating well-designed slides, and rehearsing aloud should have already been laid, says Price. "Now, the big moment has arrived, and an eager audience awaits your message."

Whether you're stepping to the front of the room to speak to just a few people, or making a grand entrance in a ballroom to address thousands, you can effectively use the time immediately before you go up to prepare your body and mind for peak performance, Price says.

Here are 10 things you can do in the 15 minutes before a big presentation to optimize your speaking success:

1. Use the restroom. "First thing's first," Price says. "Needing the toilet when you wouldn't normally 'have to go' is a common reaction to anxiety and pre-speech jitters. Why take chances? Plan ahead and use the restroom in the moments prior to going on stage."

2. Check out the meeting room and audiovisual set-up. As the speaker, be sure you know the environment, including the seating arrangement, presentation electronics, microphone, and lighting. Get to the room early and ensure you're comfortable with the set-up. "This step shows the audience you're prepared and helps ensure your presentation runs smoothly," she says.

3. Meet and greet the audience before you speak. Shake hands and talk with as many people as possible ahead of time. "This shows the audience you're approachable and personable," Price explains. "You may even learn a few names, issues, and stories to weave into your presentation. Plus, having conversations with your listeners ahead of time transforms scary 'public' speaking into natural relaxed 'personal' speaking."

4. Take several deep belly breaths. Since anxiety tightens the muscles in the chest and throat, it's important to diminish that restricting effect with deep inhalations. Don't underestimate the power of a long slow deep breath. It maximizes the amount of oxygen that flows to the lungs and brain; interrupts the adrenalin-pumping "fight or flight" response; and triggers the body's normal relaxation response. In the moments leading up to your presentation, breathe deeply and deliberately.

5. Practice the first minute in your mind. Whatever you're planning to say as the captivating opener — a witty quotation, personal story, or startling statistic

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