Getting over presentation anxiety

There’s no doubt about it, learning to become a better presenter will transform your life. That’s because public speaking is a skill that can unlock opportunities for you. Getting over public speaking anxiety and learning to give great presentations will do great things in your life.

It will help you feel more confident, it will encourage you to share more of yourself with the world, and you’ll be able to get buy-in for your ideas. And overall, you’ll connect more effectively with others, both in your professional and personal lives.

It’s a virtuous circle – your increased confidence will lead to more opportunities for growth and sharing, which will lead to more confidence and so on.

Physical symptoms of presentation anxiety

That’s because public speaking is stressful. Beforehand we can be crippled by anxiety and all the physical discomfort that entails: stomachaches, clammy hands, shortness of breath, sleeplessness.

And of course, during the presentation itself people can be plagued by doubts and stress, even blacking out or feeling that awkward out-of-body experience where we’re feeling so disconnected from our own body and thoughts that it’s like we’re controlled by a robot.

No question, public speaking is damn hard to do well. But the good news is that, actually, it’s good that it’s so hard. Here’s why. Because if public speaking were easy for everyone, then the great rewards that are awaiting you when you become a more competent and confident presenter just wouldn’t be there.

The value of public speaking

A wise person once said: “Master public speaking and one other thing, and you become unbeatable.” And it’s true. When you can hold forth on a topic and your audience can stay engaged and absorb your message, you shoot to the top of your field. And even if you’re not a particular expert on a topic, strengthening, and then sharpening, your ability to speak confidently and persuasively will become even more of an asset.

Taking steps to become a better public speaker, through books on public speaking, presentation skills courses, workshops or one-on-one coaching, will give you the upper hand.

“Ryan’s improv workshop is incredibly fun but also ruthlessly effective. Participants are taught to drop their inhibitions, let their imagination flow and and embrace the positive attitude at the heart of improv. They are also treated to Ryan’s personal blend of enthusiasm, wit and generosity.”

Jeremy, Brussels

“Ryan is a great teacher, very serious (and very funny!) gives great coaching during scenes! I had a great time studying with him!!”

Alon, Tel Aviv

“Very inspiring and useful workshop. Picked me up from where I’m at and helped me develop strategies to improve developing scenes and my performance skills.”

Anonymous, Switzerland

“Your Taking It Easy session helped me relax more into the truth of a scene and let it grow more organically instead of pushing too hard to make it funny or dramatic. I loved that you were really clear about what you wanted us to get and how the exercises played into the scene work we did later. I really got a lot from one short session.”

Andrew, Brighton

“Ryan is an extremely qualified, talented, and professional teacher and coach. I’d recommend Ryan’s services to anyone!”

Derek, Amsterdam,

“Ryan really made the most out of the workshop. No time-wasting. He gets to the point quickly, in a clear and effective way.”

Pedro, Lisbon

“Working with you was an absolute blast! I’ll take your writing advice with me wherever I go.”

Marton, Budapest

“As a coach Ryan’s ability to zone in and identify the main agenda for each sessions was amazing. His coaching helped me reflect, make decisions and make positive changes in my business.”

Tracy, Dublin

“Plenty of energy, enthusiasm, good clear guidance on how to make the scene ‘deliver results’ without killing the improviser… Ryan’s enthusiasm for improv is infectious.”

James, Brighton

“I’ve learned so much from you and thank you for giving me that nudge to get out of my comfort zone.”

Imaan, Amsterdam

“The skills I learned from those two weekends, which were two of the most enjoyable weekends I’ve ever had, have been an invaluable tool I use to this day in my daily life, both at work and in personal interactions.”

Andy, Brussels

“I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop. I learned how beautiful authenticity is, with such little moments as sharing your breakfast. Being in the moment is so amazing to see and to feel.”

Laura, Amsterdam

“I really admire your energy, creativity and knowledge and I’ve learned a lot from your training sessions.”

Natasha, Amsterdam,

“I especially enjoyed the clarity in all of what you were doing – I always understood what it was that you were teaching. I never felt lost. That was really awesome.”

Martin, Tampere

“Ryan is a natural at teaching and you get the feeling he puts his heart and soul into helping others. I look forward to doing more workshops with Ryan.”

Shauna, Tunbridge Wells

“Thank you so much for passing your writing knowledge onto me. I learned a lot and had a lot of fun too.”

Larissa, Amsterdam,

“Ryan is an incredible teacher. He took a straggling group of beginners and turned us into a viable company of improvisational actors who regularly perform together – in front of actual, paying, repeat customers.”

Carrie, Brussels

“I’ve benefitted immensely from this journey which I would recommend to anyone looking to learn more about themselves in a fun, immersive way.”

Simon, Amsterdam

“I loved loved loved your workshop. I liked the way it was structured and meaningful. Time flew unnoticed. I liked the shortness of the exercises, the surprise and fun, and the fact that you gave me so much to explore. I now can be in an empty prison cell or in a desert island and never feel alone or bored anymore. Now I can expand my world.”

Elsa, Lisbon

“Ryan’s coaching sessions really improved my public speaking skills and made my presentations much more interesting for my audience.”

Furio S., Berlin

“Thank you for your positive spirit, energy and creativity. Your public speaking sessions really helped me feel more comfortable standing in front of a group of people.”

Serena, Amsterdam

“Because of you my fear of speaking or presenting in front of an audience has lessened a great deal.”

Samora, Amsterdam

“Ryan is the most enthusiastic, positive workshop leader I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I’ve been to several of his workshops and after each session I came away with a sense of achievement and feeling that I had learnt something new.”

Chris, London

“I LOVED the fucking GREAT and positive energies in the workshop. They so got me going. Perhaps the highest moment during this festival was laughing in the workshop (to the dances… :)).”

Ben, Tel Aviv

“Absolutely brilliant! Exceptional work!”

Anonymous, Impro Hotel

“Ryan seemed to know just what to do to get the best from everyone. I would jump at the opportunity to do another workshop led by him.”

Calum, Brighton

Physical symptoms of presentation anxiety

The value of public speaking

How was working with Ryan?

Contact Ryan Millar