Playing your favourite songs before a presentation can ease the nerves, enhance the energy, and get you powered up ready to perform at your peak.
The last few minutes before you deliver a big presentation are usually the worst.
The nerves build, the sweat spreads, the agitation increases, and you get yourself into a state.
All of which is only going to hamper your talk.
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I have a simple solution to help.
- The joy of music
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We all have songs we love.
Playing them before a presentation can help to ease those nasty nerves, lift your spirits, and give you energy.
But! Choose carefully.
You want to be pumped up and focused, not too relaxed, or emotional.
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I have three songs I play before any kind of public speaking.
Usually, I find the 10 minutes I need for the whole trio.
But if there’s only space for one, it’s the number one on this list, my go-to song for inspiration, time and again:
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3. My Generation, The Who
One of the sounds of my youth, guaranteed to make me smile with memories of being a mod, way back in the 1980s.
First discos, first snogs, first forays into the adult world. So much emotion, enthusiasm, and energy.
The song always gives me a great tingle.
It’s also terrific for the drive of the music, that pounding, never be beaten, inspirational rhythm.
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2. Supersonic, Oasis
Recorded live at Wembley Stadium in 2000, it just simply rocks.
From the iconic opening drumbeat, to the cutting guitar, and the smartness of the lyrics.
The first line is an excellent reminder of the importance of authenticity in public speaking:
- I need to be myself, I can be no one else.
Supersonic is perfect for getting all geared up to deliver an important talk.
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1. Radio Ga Ga, Queen
The version from Live Aid, in 1985 - what else?
Apart from being a cracking song, which always gets the blood buzzing, it’s the sheer mastery of the way Freddie Mercury performs.
All those people watching live, hundreds of millions more on television, and he shows not a hint of nerves.
Striding out, commanding the stage, demanding attention...
It's a masterclass in the art performance, and ideal to get you ready to deliver a cracking talk.
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So, that's my recommendation to help ease the nerves and get the adrenaline going, ready to smash an important presentation.
Find yourself your own personal soundtrack for powerful public speaking.
And so to the big question:
- What will your three songs be?