How can you reduce anxiety during presentations using improv techniques?

1 Embrace the unknown

One of the main sources of anxiety for presenters is the fear of the unknown. You might worry about forgetting your lines, making a mistake, or facing a difficult question. But improv teaches you to embrace the unknown and see it as an opportunity, not a threat. Improv performers don't know what will happen next, but they trust themselves and their partners to create something meaningful and entertaining. You can do the same with your presentation. Instead of trying to control every aspect of your speech, allow yourself to be flexible and responsive to the situation. You can practice this by doing some warm-up exercises that challenge you to improvise with words, gestures, or scenarios. For example, you can try the "Yes, and" exercise, where you and a partner build a story by agreeing and adding to each other's statements.

2 Focus on your audience

Another way to reduce your anxiety is to focus on your audience, not on yourself. Improv performers are always aware of their audience and how they can engage them. They use eye contact, body language, humor, and emotion to create a rapport and a connection. You can do the same with your presentation. Instead of worrying about how you look or sound, think about how you can serve your audience and deliver value to them. You can practice this by doing some exercises that help you understand your audience's needs, expectations, and interests. For example, you can try the "Who, what, where" exercise, where you and a partner pretend to be different members of your audience and ask each other questions about the topic of your presentation.

3 Be present and authentic

A third way to reduce your anxiety is to be present and authentic in your presentation. Improv performers don't rely on scripts or notes, but on their own knowledge, experience, and personality. They are honest, spontaneous, and expressive. You can do the same with your presentation. Instead of memorizing or reading your speech, speak from your heart and share your insights and stories. You can practice this by doing some exercises that help you find your voice, your style, and your message. For example, you can try the "Freeze" exercise, where you and a partner take turns to freeze in a pose and then start a conversation based on that pose.

Improvisation is not only a fun and creative activity, but also a powerful tool to reduce your anxiety and improve your presentation skills. By embracing the unknown, focusing on your audience, and being present and authentic, you can deliver a presentation that is more confident, engaging, and effective. How do you use improv techniques in your presentations? Share your tips and experiences with us!

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?