Stop Apologizing

 

In my opinion, one of the hardest parts of avoiding stage fright is the constant apologies that are given when someone is nervous. I get a really bad case of stage fright every time I make a presentation, and even I have a really hard time not apologizing to the audience. However, everyone is very understanding and knows exactly what it feels like when you have to stand in front of a group of people and make a presentation.

  Many people who are doing a presentation feel like it is a good idea to apologize for being nervous or anxious. Allatia Harris said, "Never apologize to the audience unless you've injured someone." This is a very accurate statement. No one will ever be upset with you for being nervous or a little shaky. Apologies during a presentation will not aid the presentation in any way. It is better to just understand that you are a bit nervous and understand that it is okay. 

 This means that there is no need to apologize for your presentation or start your presentation by saying "I won't take up much of your time" or "I'm a little nervous so bear with me." I have been told many times that apologizing for your presentation is useless and takes away from the presentation itself. So, instead of focusing on your nervousness and how it will make people feel, focus on the presentation itself and you will do great. 

 There is only one point where it is acceptable to apologize for an aspect of your presentation. This would be if the issue that you are having will directly affect the audience during the presentation. For example, apologizing that your visuals are wrong or missing completely. 

 Overall, there is no need to apologize for the presentation. It won't make a huge difference in the presentation if you are a bit nervous. Just remember that your audience isn't there to focus on you being nervous, they are there to listen to what you have to say. That being said, be confident and relay the information proudly, because that is the main purpose of the presentation, not to feel sorry that something isn't perfect.

 

 

Sources:

Business Communication: Process and Product

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