What are effective visualization techniques for managing presentation nerves?

In my experience confidence has been what pulls me down before a presentation. I start thinking about how I’m unqualified or have no business talking about the topic, and so on. Impostors syndrome can be paralyzingly before a big presentation. What has worked for me, is taking time to sit down with myself and reflect on where I was 5, 10 years ago. What were my goals? Who was I? Who did I want to be? What job do I want? What did I have to go to get here? And I did that? All of that? Wow. I can do this. I’ve done this. I’m here. And I do hard things.

Effective visualization techniques can be powerful tools for managing presentation nerves. Visualization involves creating a mental image or scenario that can help you feel more confident, prepared, and relaxed. I have 10 techniques for you: 1. Positive Outcome Visualization 2. Safe Place Visualization 3. Rehearsal Visualization 4. Breathing Visualization 5. Energy Channeling Visualization 6. Audience Perspective Visualization 7. Success Visualization 8. Anchor Visualization 9. Growth Visualization 10. Support System Visualization Remember, the key to effective visualization is practice. The more you practice these techniques, the more natural they will become, and the more impact they will have on reducing your presentation nerves.

Just to add a little, when visualizing be inside yourself, don't see yourself presenting from outside, as an observer. Visualize what you would see, were you on the stage, what you would hear, where would the screen be and feel your emotions, nerves turn to excitement and then confidence. Hold that feeling of confidence.

I’ve found that visualization is important, but the skill of visualization is limited by imagination. Most external factors are unpredictable. And we often don’t imagine what we don’t expect. Therefore, visualize disruptions and worst-case scenarios. But be careful to not be excessive or harmful.

Something that also helps is to visualize at the end of the presentation, someone important to you, congratulating you on an excellent presentation. Hear them say, 'great job', 'you nailed it' or whatever phrase that person would say and keep repeating it and feeling the pride in yourself at their words