How can you manage nerves when presenting online?

1 Prepare well

One of the best ways to reduce your nervousness is to prepare well for your presentation. This means knowing your topic, audience, and objectives, and rehearsing your content and delivery. You should also familiarize yourself with the online platform you are using, and test your equipment, internet connection, and settings beforehand. Make sure you have a backup plan in case of technical issues, such as having a copy of your slides on a USB drive or a phone number to dial in. Preparing well will boost your confidence and help you avoid unnecessary stress.

3 Focus on your message

A common mistake that can make you more nervous is to focus on yourself, rather than on your message and audience. You may worry about how you look, sound, or perform, and compare yourself to others. This can distract you from your main purpose, which is to communicate your ideas and information effectively. Instead of focusing on yourself, focus on your message and how it can benefit your audience. Think about what you want them to learn, feel, or do as a result of your presentation, and how you can deliver it in a clear and compelling way.

4 Engage your audience

One of the challenges of presenting online is to keep your audience engaged and interested, especially if they are not visible or audible to you. You may feel like you are talking to a screen or a void, which can make you more nervous and isolated. To overcome this, you should try to engage your audience as much as possible, by using interactive features such as polls, quizzes, chat, or Q&A. You should also use verbal and non-verbal cues to connect with them, such as asking questions, telling stories, using humor, smiling, and making eye contact with the camera.

5 Learn from feedback

Finally, you can manage your nerves by learning from your feedback and experience. After your presentation, you should seek constructive feedback from your audience, peers, or mentors, and reflect on what went well and what can be improved. You should also celebrate your achievements and acknowledge your efforts, rather than focusing on your flaws or mistakes. By learning from your feedback and experience, you can enhance your skills and confidence, and prepare better for your next presentation.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?