One of the questions I’m asked most often is, “Do you still get nervous before a presentation?”
The answer is yes.
After speaking to thousands of audiences over the years, I can tell you that nerves don’t disappear with experience. What changes is how you respond to them.
Many people believe confidence means never feeling nervous. I don’t see it that way. Confidence isn’t the absence of nerves; it’s knowing how to manage them so they don’t manage you.
One of the biggest mistakes presenters make is trying to eliminate their nerves. They tell themselves to “calm down” or “stop being nervous”. Unfortunately, that usually has the opposite effect. The more you focus on your nerves, the bigger they become.
Instead, accept them for what they are. Your body is preparing you for something important. A faster heartbeat and a rush of adrenaline don’t mean you’re about to fail. They simply mean you’re ready to perform.
Settle Yourself Before You Start
When nerves take over, they often show up physically. Your breathing becomes shallow, your shoulders tighten and your mind starts racing.
That’s why I always encourage presenters to settle their body before trying to settle their thoughts.
Take a slow breath. Stand with both feet firmly on the floor. Relax your shoulders and pause before you begin speaking. These simple actions help you feel grounded and prevent nervous energy from creeping into your delivery.
I also find it helpful to move before presenting. A short walk, a gentle stretch or simply rolling your shoulders can release some of that excess energy. The goal isn’t to get rid of the adrenaline. It’s to use it well.
Change What You’re Focusing On
Another reason nerves become overwhelming is that we make the presentation all about ourselves.
What if I forget what to say? What if I make a mistake? What if they don’t like my presentation?
Those thoughts shift your attention away from the people you’re there to help.
Instead, ask yourself, What does my audience need from me today? That simple change in focus can make a remarkable difference. When your attention is on serving your audience rather than judging yourself, the pressure starts to ease.
Preparation also plays a big part. I always recommend knowing your opening well. The first minute of a presentation is often when nerves are at their highest. If you know exactly how you’re going to begin, you’ll settle into your presentation much more quickly and build confidence as you go.
Remember, Your Audience Wants You to Succeed
One belief that holds many presenters back is thinking the audience is waiting for them to make a mistake.
In reality, that’s rarely the case.
Most people want you to do well. They’ve given you their time because they want to learn something, solve a problem or hear a useful idea. They’re not expecting perfection. They’re looking for someone who is genuine, prepared and easy to follow.
I’ve seen presenters forget a point, lose their place or stumble over a word, and the audience barely noticed. The presenter thought it was a disaster. The audience simply saw a human being.
Confidence Comes Through Action
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt over the years is that confidence doesn’t usually arrive before you begin speaking.
It grows as you speak.
With every sentence, every connection you make and every message you deliver, your confidence builds. That’s why I encourage people not to wait until they feel confident before putting their hand up to present.
Start speaking.
Trust your preparation.
Focus on your audience.
The confidence you’re looking for often comes after you’ve begun.
Final Thoughts
If you remember one thing, let it be this: nerves are not a sign that you’re a poor presenter. They’re a sign that what you’re about to do matters.
Every confident speaker has felt exactly what you’re feeling.
The difference is that they’ve learnt to work with their nerves instead of fighting them.
The next time you’re preparing for a presentation, don’t aim to eliminate your nerves. Take a breath, trust your preparation and focus on your audience.
You may still feel nervous.
But your audience will see something much more important—a speaker who is confident enough to step forward and share a message that matters.
If you would like to learn more about speaking with confidence, clarity and influence, I have public workshops coming up in Perth and Port Hedland in September. You can view the workshop details here: https://corporatecommunicationexperts.com.au/events-webinars/