The Introverts Way to Confidently Take the Presentation Stage
You're scheduled to give a big talk. As the day approaches the feeling of dread sets in. You've got a great message, but it's the energy exchange between you and your audience that you know is going to wear you out.
Never fear Beth Buelow of The Introvert Entrepreneur is here for part 2 of our interview where she dishes about how she preps for a presentation, her ritual for taking the stage and how she takes care of herself after a big speech.
How do you approach preparing a presentation?
I think about it – a lot. It’s not unlike how I write blog posts. The ideas and talking points have to take root and grow a bit in my head before they move to paper or laptop. It might be a few weeks or even a few days before I give a talk that I finally start crafting a PowerPoint or formal outline. I tend to begin with the end in mind: I decide what’s most important to communicate, create the top 3-5 talking points, then make slides based on that. I fill in any gaps or transitions. I add notes to the slides, even though I don’t end up using them; they help me to organize my thoughts. Then I practice out-loud. That’s when I start to see and hear where content can be moved, deleted or added.
While it sounds like an obvious point, it’s the practicing aloud that has improved my presentations the most. We introverts tend to be so internal, and our inner monologue so rich, we can think we’ve practiced enough if we’ve just thought it through 100 times, or if we’ve mumbled it to ourselves. That’s all good, and it’s even better to take time to speak the presentation aloud, with all of the inflections, hand gestures, pacing and volume that you intend to use. It’s this simple preparation exercise that has made the biggest difference for me.
What do you do moments before you step on stage to present to prepare yourself for the energy exchange between you and the audience?
Beth Buelow – The Introvert Entrepreneur
I mentally rehearse my first sentences; if I can get those right and feel good, the rest is a piece of cake. I also force myself to make small talk with a few people, either at my table or in the audience. It warms me up and reminds me that the audience is on my side. I notice if I have any feelings of resistance because of low energy (see question 2) and intentionally try to release them, so I can be fully present in the room and with the people who have gathered. In order for me to connect energetically, I need to remove any distractions, and most of those are mental. Personally connecting with a few people in the room, trusting I know what the first words out of my mouth will be, feeling gratitude for the opportunity to share information that’s meaningful… these all help to prepare me for the moment I take the mic.
What do you do for self-care after speaking?
While I love getting up in front of people, it takes a huge amount of energy. I usually have almost nothing left when the event is over. So whenever possible, I take care to leave my calendar open that day, before and after the talk. This creates space for me to do whatever I need. Nine times out of ten, that need is a nap. I need to move from the high stimulation situation to the lowest stimulation possible, and sleep is the best remedy I know. I’ve also chosen to take a few hours to go to a bookstore, or shoot some photos, or read. Whatever I chose to do – or not do – is all about resetting and restoring my energy.
Here are my (Dr. Michelle's) big a-ha's from Beth:
- Thinking is a part of the preparation process. Just because you're not writing or crafting PowerPoints doesn't mean you're not doing the work.
- Speak your presentation out loud! In your head helps, but hearing your words out loud let's your practice your delivery skills.
- Moments before the presentation, step out of your comfort zone and get to know your audience.
- Leave your calendar open for self-care and post-presentation recovery.
Did you miss part one of this interview? Beth discussed what she feels are the strengths and challenges of being an introverted speaker. Check out Confessions of an Introverted Speaker.
Beth Buelow was 7 when she outlined the marketing plan for her first entrepreneurial venture, 23 when she learned she was an introvert, and 38 when, in 2010, she put the two together to create The Introvert Entrepreneur. Her message resonates with introverts who want to amplify their strengths, and the extroverts who want to understand why introverts are so doggone quiet. Beth is a professional coach, author and speaker, is based in the Pacific Northwest and serves introverts worldwide. She is the author of “Insight: Reflections on the Gifts of Being an Introvert” (2012) and “I is for Introvert: The A-Z Guide to the Quieter Side” (2013). Learn more at TheIntrovertEntrepreneur.com.
