Handling That Anxiety You Always Have While Giving Presentations

Being nervous before a presentation is a normal feeling. In fact, the fear of speaking in public is one of the most commonly reported social fears. Although many people share this fear, it may be a requirement of your job and something you have to learn to deal with. Presentation anxiety can cause a person to worry for weeks in advance of the presentation and they may suffer from a range of symptoms right before or during the presentation such as shaking, blushing, a pounding heart, shortness of breath, upset stomach, and more. These symptoms can be very unpleasant and they can certainly make it difficult to deliver a successful presentation. If you find yourself suffering from anxiety each time you have to take the stage, consider these effective tips for overcoming presentation anxiety. 

Practice Deep Breathing

Meditation and deep breathing are great ways to calm your body before a presentation. Breathing releases oxygen throughout the body which calms your nerves and helps to reduce anxiety. You can even incorporate mindfulness and positive thinking as you breathe to stay focused, slow your heart rate, and quiet the noise in your brain. You can practice breathing exercises daily to reduce anxiety leading up to the presentation and it’s always helpful to take several slow, deep breaths right before the presentation to calm your body and your nervous system. 

Know Your Topic and Prepare

One of the most effective ways to handle presentation anxiety is to simply know your topic well and spend plenty of time researching and planning. The more familiar you are with your topic and what you plan to say, the more it will boost your confidence. You will be more confident delivering the presentation and you will also feel more comfortable answering questions because you will know all the details of your topic. 

Rehearse

As with anything else, the more you practice the better you will perform. You should practice and rehearse your presentation multiple times to help boost your confidence. You can practice in front of a mirror so you can pay attention to your body language and make changes as needed. It’s also important to practice in front of a friend, family member, or colleague who can provide additional feedback. 

Check Out the Venue Ahead of Time

Another great way to reduce presentation anxiety is to familiarize yourself with the venue and its setup. Make sure you know where you will be standing, how the seats will be positioned, how to work the audio and technical equipment, as well as how it will be lit. Knowing the venue ahead of time will help you anticipate any stressful situations that might arise. 

Visualize Your Success

There’s a lot to be said about positive thinking. Even professional athletes and performers practice visualization before a performance. Imagine yourself speaking confidently, winning over your audience, and succeeding in your presentation delivery. When you believe in yourself, you are more likely to perform to the best of your ability. Seeing yourself as a success boosts your confidence and reduces stress and anxiety.