COMMUNICATION SPECIAL.................. 5 must-dos before a big presentation

 5 must-dos before a big presentation

1. Set aside any personal interactions until after you're done

Todd Herman, a leadership consultant who works with professional athletes and corporations like Shell, Chevron, and Cisco, tells them to avoid personal phone calls or conversations with loved ones for five hours leading up to the big presentation, so their personal lives don't affect their performance. 

2.  Practice 'The Positive of Negative Preparation Principle'

"When he's looking at what to invest in, Warren Buffett doesn't just see the positive outcomes for every decision. He thinks of all the things that could go wrong," Herman says. Going into a presentation with a purely optimistic attitude could set you up for failure. He recommends that you visualise everything that could go wrong in your presentation and have a response prepared. 

3. Imagine what will happen at the end of the meeting

Herman is a big advocate for visualisation, whether you're a basketball player or a banker. For example, imagine your audience looking convinced by your argument. This will help you end your presentation gracefully. 

4. Keep your presentation's intention at the front of your mind

Before you walk into the conference room or get up on the stage, remind yourself why you are giving your presentation, Herman says. Ask yourself what questions your audience needs answered so that you can emphasize those points as clearly as possible. 

5. Meditate

Even 30 seconds of meditation before your presentation can have a noticeable impact, says Herman. Big breaths through your nose down to your diaphragm and steady exhalation through your mouth slows down your heart rate and oxygenates your blood, reducing anxiety. 
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