Within a society focused on grinding until the work is done, it can be hard to find time to let your body and brain rest. Remember this: adequate sleep will improve your presentation. The secret to sleeping well before a big pitch is knowing why and how sleep will work for you. Sleep not only gives you clarity and keeps you alert, it can boost additional essential functions leading up to your big pitch as well. It’s important to focus on this throughout your entire presentation creation process–not just the night before.
Improved Memory
If you are having a hard time remembering each critical point of your speech, just sleep on it! No… really. Sleep simplifies the recall process, helping you give a more effective presentation. This is made possible by your body’s ability to consolidate and commit information to long-term memory overnight. Additionally, a good night’s rest aids your ability to process information, giving you better insight. So, not only will sleep improve your presentation by helping you recall information easily, you will be able to deliver that information in an insightful manner, engaging your audience more effectively.
Additional Creativity
An added benefit to the improved memory function of a good night’s sleep is an increase in creativity. As we know, the right side of the brain controls attention, memory, reasoning, and problem solving. The memory consolidation that happens in the right side of the brain during REM sleep can help the brain connect unrelated ideas. Through this connection, your brain is better able to perform at creative problem solving. This ability to better problem-solve when fully rested can prove to be your saving grace when you find your presentation at an impasse.
Heightened Confidence
When you are sleep deprived, your body creates more of the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol, when working for you, can help with memory formulation, regulate your blood sugar, and reduce inflammation. But when your body has high cortisol levels, you may experience weight gain, acne, flushed face, difficulty concentrating, and severe fatigue. Any one of those symptoms can certainly stifle the pep in your step. Get ahead of this vicious cycle by taking care of yourself first and getting adequate sleep in the days leading up to your big pitch. Good sleep will certainly improve your presentation the night before your big appearance. Don’t forget to focus on sleep in the weeks leading up to your speech as well to avoid high cortisol.
Ultimately, your sleep pattern may not be as extraneous to your career as you may think. As I mentioned previously, focus on getting good sleep while creating your speech as well as right before it is given. Getting in a good habit of nurturing your body with the sleep it needs will only add to your productivity.
Have an upcoming presentation that is keeping you up at night? Ethos3 was created for empowering presenters, and we would love to hear what you need.
Contact us today to learn about our award-winning presentation design services.
