What do you do if your presentation nerves are getting the best of you?

Presenting in front of others can be nerve taking, the best way to improve is with practice until you are comfortable! Yes- familiar with your material until it becomes second nature. Practice in front of friends, in front of the mirror, in the car- you get it right?! Practice, practice, practice until you feel like your true authentic self and can throw your notecards away. It’s okay not to be so great in the beginning, you will improve and get better over time.

From my experience, thorough preparation is the cornerstone of overcoming presentation nerves. Rehearse your presentation multiple times until you feel confident. Use a mirror, record yourself, or present to a friend or family member. This practice will help you refine your content, improve your delivery, and identify areas that need improvement. Practicing also familiarizes you with your material, reducing the likelihood of forgetting key points. Remember, the more you practice, the more polished and confident you’ll appear.

Knowing your presentation venue can significantly reduce anxiety. Visit the location beforehand if possible. Familiarize yourself with the layout, check the equipment, and understand the room’s acoustics. This reduces the element of surprise on the day of your presentation. Knowing where you’ll stand, where the audience will sit, and how the technology works can help you feel more in control and focused. In my personal experience, this preparation has consistently helped me feel more at ease.

In the moments before your presentation, take time to breathe and relax. Deep breathing exercises can calm your nerves and lower your heart rate. Try inhaling slowly for a count of four, holding for four, and exhaling for four. Repeat this until you feel your anxiety decreasing. Also, practice progressive muscle relaxation, tensing and then releasing different muscle groups to release physical tension. These techniques have been invaluable in helping me and my clients remain calm and collected.

Visualization is a powerful tool. Close your eyes and imagine yourself delivering your presentation confidently and successfully. Picture the audience reacting positively, nodding, and engaging with your content. This mental rehearsal can create a positive mindset and boost your confidence. When working with clients, I encourage them to visualize their success, which helps shift their focus from fear to confidence and anticipation.

Engagement can turn nerves into positive energy. Start with a smile and make eye contact with your audience. Ask questions, encourage participation, and create a dialogue. This interaction can make you feel more connected and less isolated on stage. When you see the audience responding positively, it boosts your confidence. In our projects, engaging with the audience has been a game-changer, transforming presentations into dynamic, interactive experiences.

Leverage technology and other support tools to ease your nerves. Use visual aids like slides, videos, or props to keep the audience’s attention and provide structure to your presentation. These tools can also serve as prompts, helping you stay on track and reducing the fear of forgetting your points. In my personal experience, well-prepared support tools have always been a safety net, making the presentation flow smoothl