Public speaking is scary: it’s a chance to mess up in front of other people, and the stress can trigger an evolutionary fight-or-flee reaction. But there are ways to conquer your nerves. Before your next big presentation:
- Prepare thoroughly. Research your topic, anticipate tough questions, and practice your delivery.
- Imagine giving the presentation. How will it feel? How will you begin? What will the audience look like?
- Stay calm and loose. In most cases, people can’t tell that you’re nervous. If you stumble, act as though it didn’t happen.
- Get used to looking at blank faces. When you’re talking to someone one-on-one, they give physical and verbal cues that they’re listening. Groups of people don’t always do that.
- Get comfortable with uncertainty. At a certain point you have to trust that you’ve done all you can to prepare. Remember: the likelihood that your worst fears will come true is slim.
Adapted from
“Conquer Your Nerves Before Your Presentation,” by Nancy Duarte.
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