Everyone wants to give a great presentation. But sometimes anxiety can get in the way. No need to stress, with our ways to calm presentation nerves, you’ll be able to step in front of a crowd with confidence.
Ways to Calm Presentation Nerves
It’s quite common to become anxious before speaking in front of a group of people. So instead of letting your nerves get in the way of giving an amazing presentation, know that you’re not alone. There are ways to calm presentation nerves and help you put your best foot forward.
Accept That You’re Nervous
Being nervous is a sign that you care about giving a good presentation. You should therefore take the time to acknowledge how you’re feeling. These feelings mean your body is preparing you for what’s coming. Being prepared is a good thing.
Arrive Early
Showing up early is a great way to calm presentation nerves. This way you’ll be able to get organised and comfortable in the presentation venue. You can also start to picture where you’re going to stand and how you’ll move around the room as you speak.
Be Prepared
The more you know about your topic, the more confident you’ll be. So make sure to do lots of research, and practice your speech as much as you can. Practice in front of a mirror, friends or family and allow them to give you feedback.
Dress for Success
Dress for the occasion and make sure your clothes are comfortable. Also, anxiety can cause physical symptoms such as sweating. If this is the case for you, make sure to wear appropriate clothing so that you won’t be worried about visible sweat stains.
Avoid Caffeine
Drinking coffee or energy drinks right before your presentation can increase your heart rate, which will make you feel even more nervous. Instead, you should try to get a good night’s rest. Drink water to prevent having a dry mouth while you’re presenting.
Use Cue Cards
Nerves can come from the fear of forgetting your speech. Use cue cards to remind yourself what to say next. However, be careful not to read from them. Reading from your cards can make your speech sound unprofessional and unprepared.
Take Deep Breaths
Breathing exercises are an excellent way to relax. When you breathe from your stomach muscles, it helps calm your nervous system. But improper techniques can end up making your anxiety worse, so make sure to follow the breathing techniques carefully.
Find out More About Your Audience
Know the audience you’re presenting to. Ensure that your speech matches the audience, young or old. Using the correct language (formal or informal) will calm presentation nerves because you’ll know that you’re speaking in a relatable manner.
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