How to overcome nerves during a presentation

Butterflies in the stomach are the least of the problems for some presenters. Patrick Forsyth looks at how to control your nerves.

Most people feel some unease about presenting. Call it creative apprehension, as did one conference speaker asked if he was nervous (If you’re not nervous why are you in the “Ladies”?), but it can be worrying – after all, there may be a great deal hanging on it. So how do you calm your nerves?

The first rule is to think positive, because most thoughts tend to be negative – I can’t do it, they won’t like it, what do I say? Consider the audience. They actually want it to go well; what else? Audiences respond to a good presenter, especially one that focuses on and respects them. Indeed people may be secretly grateful they are not speaking. If all else fails, follow the old actors’advice and “imagine they are naked”!

List all your fears and take practical steps to deal with the causes one by one. For example, if you worry about:

Timing: rehearse, time it and make sure your notes include a guide on timing
Losing your place: again, the style of your notes should make this difficult to do
Dry mouth: always have a glass of water to hand, no one minds if you take sip
What to do with your hands: hold something – something appropriate like a pen
Visual aids: can they be seen? Check ahead of the presentation, then you know (and never say “can you see at the back” – people expect you to know all is well)
Audible:just talk naturally aiming at someone in the back row and all will hear you.

Beyond that consider two areas:

Preparation is key

All the best presentations are well prepared. As Mark Twain said “It usually takes me three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech”. So, always prepare thoroughly what you will say - and how you will say it. If it helps to write PAUSE in big letters on your notes – do so. Notes should guide you on both content and emphasis. Prepare for giving the talk as well as the talk itself. For example, your notes must be clearly legible in use, not just read sitting at your desk. Knowing that you have a good presentation to give is the greatest antidote to nerves. The right length, a good structure, a logical argument, language that creates rapport with your audience – all reduce fears. Knowledge is power, so be knowledgeable - check out what makes things work; I know I have a book to plug but that is good advice.

Knowing the environment

You must know, or organise if possible, the speaking environment. Know how to work any equipment, where to stand to allow the group to see the screen and you to see them and your notes, have sufficient space to put your papers, tape the projector lead to the floor so that you do not trip, count the steps to the podium. Whatever the environment, reduce nerves by being familiar with it.

Analysing presentations and planning changes – more of this, less of that – gives more certainty of the next one being easier and going better.

Tackle everything that create fears systematically and 90% of causes can be sorted. Doing so increases your confidence – it will be alright. Confidence certainly helps you present well – and impresses audiences. Then finding it is going well boosts confidence further, providing a positive virtuous circle. Ready. Take a deep breath and ….

Key points to boost confidence

Always prepare thoroughly
List fears and think through what causes them and seek solutions
Think positive (remember you are actively dealing with fears)
Focus on what to say and how to say it
Understand the techniques you can use
Check and organise the speaking environment
Analysis your presentations and make changes to ensure you learn from experience
Remember the audience want it to go well
Overall, regard it as an opportunity (a good presentation can achieve so much).