Practice
The more comfortable you are with your material, the more confident you will feel.
Think Positive Thoughts
Tell yourself, "I'm going to do a good job."
Give Yourself a "Home Court Advantage"
Take the time to get used to the space you are going to present in.
Sit in the chairs, walk around the room, try the equipment. In general, get used to the space.
Eat and Drink for Calm
Plan to eat lightly on the day of the presentation and to avoid excess caffeine and dairy products.
Remember: You Never Look as Nervous as You Feel
A small case of nerves does not show. As comedian Steve Allen puts it, "You would
have to turn pale, pass out and fall into the orchestra pit before anyone would
remember the incident a week later."
Arrive Early
Come at least an hour before the presentation. This time allows you to decorate, make sure
chairs are arranged, set up refreshments and grow accustomed to the space you will present in.
Check Equipment
Make sure everything works.
Have back-up materials to deal with equipment failures!
Interact With Clients as They Arrive
Mingle with clients to make them feel at home as they wait for the presentation to begin.
Tell them you are glad they have come, show them to their seats. Possible conversation
topics: visits you have made to their Website, research you have done about their industry,
anything you are especially interested in or enjoyed related to their project, any common ground you find.
Interact With Clients Again After the Presentation
Thank them for coming, comment upon their questions, answer any others that come up one-on-one.
Clean Up
Leave the room in better condition than you entered it.
Congratulate Yourself on a Job Well Done
