The presentation does not begin at the speaker's rostrum. Even before you make your first sentence of your speech, listeners will follow you closely. They will read your reactions while you wait your turn to speak, guess by your gait, you are embarrassed or self-confident, and will even consider how you dress for the occasion. Audiences tend to be sensitive to observe the behavior of a person who intends to convey a message to them.
Before you start talking, take a good look at your surroundings, but demonstrate your sincere interest in not looking like a diva. Those around you will feel that they identify with your concerns, and this will make them more open and welcoming to what they will hear from you.
These preliminary observations will give you the opportunity to discover the beneficial elements that can be used during the performance, making it more interesting and spontaneous. You will also be able to relieve the tension that torments us all at such times. As you observe what is happening around you, you will not waste time worrying about the quality of your preparation for the report. A feverish attempt to remember something a few minutes before the start of your presentation can indeed be a serious concern: you may have forgotten a particular idea or postulated your report! It is also important to be distracted by other things because it will affect the expression of your face, which, like a mirror, always reflects what is happening in your soul. The more relaxed and friendly your face is, the closer you will be to your listeners.
Now head towards the pulpit. Your gait and posture should express determination and conviction. The audience will have respect for you and will be confident that you will give a good speech in advance. Stay calm and focused behind the pulpit; get your clothes in order before you start talking - for example, button your jacket, tie and pocket valves, etc. I once witnessed a boring event that made me make these suggestions. The speaker who was called on stage quickly jumped onto the pulpit and, in a hurry, accidentally put a button on his jacket in a loop on his vest. The content of the report was very good, but the audience paid little attention to the speaker's words, as they tried to hide their smiles from him.
When you get up to the pulpit, spread out any notes you may need during your presentation, put the microphone in your comfortable position, look around again with a quick glance, and, if circumstances permit, smile sincerely and amicably to the audience. Father Vasconcelos, one of the most prominent speakers I have ever met, said that a smile has the ability to create a field of attraction in which everyone enters without resistance and becomes a slave to the speaker. A smile affects your empathy, which is impossible to resist. So smile without hesitation, but do it from the bottom of your heart.
And now you can begin to say: everything is fine, and everyone is ready to listen to you.
