It’s normal to feel nervous when speaking in public. This is actually a good thing. Our body releases hormones like adrenaline to help us cope with it. But, too much adrenaline can be bad for us. It can make us:

• Talk fast.
• Speak in a louder voice.
• Feel like you can’t stay still.

You can work through this by taking deep breaths or going for a walk.

On the day of the presentation:

1. Come early

   Watch other speakers and get a feel of the audience. You can also use the time to check your equipment or practice your presentation. Take some time to get comfortable with the environment.

2. Look back on your preparations

   You worked hard to get ready. You made sure your script and slides were perfect. You practiced a lot. You printed out all the materials you needed. You know your material better than anyone else. You are ready!

3. Use positive thinking

   To help you feel more confident, think positively. Imagine yourself giving your presentation without any mistakes. Remember that our thoughts can become reality.

4. Take deep breaths

   This is a way to help your body relax. It can also lower your blood pressure. To do this, take a deep breath in and then slowly let it out. Do this a few times.

Tips for delivery:

• Speak slowly and clearly.
• Pause at important parts of your talk.
• Make sure your voice is loud enough for everyone to hear. Use a microphone if you need one.

Don’t rely on your slides. Look at the people in the audience and talk to them directly. Tell stories that are meaningful to you. Make your presentation more like a conversation.

Tips for messages:

Keep it short. Fifteen to twenty minutes is best. This is because people can’t pay attention for a long time.

If your presentation has a lot of information, summarize the main ideas. People will understand the main points better. Make handouts for other details.

Make your presentation memorable. Tell a story, use great pictures, and remind your audience of the main points. Give them 3-5 things to remember. Or, make a short summary of your main point in 15 words or less.

What if you forget something?

Here are some ideas to help you handle this situation without making it a big deal:

• Pause

  Stop or take a few seconds to repeat the last sentence.

• Check your notes

  If you forget what to say, you can look at your outline or summary on an index card. You can also look at your slides for help.

• Make light of it

  Try to make a joke about it. You could also ask the audience for help. For example, you could say something like “Where was I?” It’s a good way to make the situation less uncomfortable. It can also help to break the tension.

Remember that you don’t have to be perfect! Just enjoy yourself and have a good time.

Don’t worry, you will do great!

 
Article updated January 9, 2024.
 
Sources: 20 world-class presentation experts share their top tips, Mark Fidelman, Forbes; 9 helpful tips to calm your nerves before speaking, Marcel Schwantes, Inc.; and How to prevent and recover from mind blanks, Olivia Mitchell, Speaking about presenting.com. Accessed January 9, 2020.