In a Panic About Presenting? Here's How to Overcome It

Does your stomach churn at the thought of having to speak to a room where all eyes are on you? Do nerves about standing up to speak make you feel nauseous?

Let’s face it, if you’re leading a team this is something you’re going to have to overcome.

Many managers feel comfortable sharing their opinions while seated at the boardroom table, but the moment they stand up, the nerves kick in. It’s surprising how safe we feel sitting down, yet strangely vulnerable when we’re on our feet.

The ability to stand up and present confidently to an audience – whether to your team, in a management meeting, or in the boardroom – is an essential leadership skill. An ability to command a room assertively is a critical skill in conveying presence.

Here’s how to start building that confidence:

Create opportunities to practice – No matter how much it pushes you out of your comfort zone, start small. Volunteer to present at team meetings so standing in the limelight feels normal—even if it’s just for five minutes at a time.

Speak up in other departments – Don’t simply attend meetings held by different departments – ask to speak. Offer to give updates on what your team is working on and what’s on the horizon. This should be stuff you’re familiar with, so you’ll feel confident that you’re clear on the content and can then focus on the delivery.

Watch your language! - Use everyday words when you speak up – there’s no need to try to impress people by using long, complex words just because you think that makes you sound more knowledgeable. The best speakers are those we can relate to on a personal level – so only use words you’d normally use in everyday conversation. Be yourself.

Seek feedback– Ask colleagues for feedback on your presenting strengths (there will definitely be things you’re naturally good at without having to consciously focus on them, so it’s good to know what they are!) And also areas where they feel you could improve – so you get a rounded picture of where you’re currently at.

Catch your breath – if you’ve been waiting nervously to speak, then chances are your breathing has started to change. Nerves make our breathing faster and shallower…and the knock on effect is that our voice intonation, volume and projection can be badly affected. So, just before you’re about to stand up, take a minute to breathe deeply, consciously calming your breathing down; repeat breathing in to the count of four, then out to the count of four (in your head by the way, no-one needs to know you’re on edge!)

Connect with your audience – If it’s a small group of people, try to make eye contact as you stand up. Focus on finding a friendly face to reassure you – maybe even get one of your team onside beforehand to smile at you as you begin. It’s surprising how calming seeing someone who’s on your side can be when you stand up in a room, even when it’s full of people you already know.

If you’re serious about developing your public speaking skills, then it’s time to step into the unknown and start putting these small steps into practice. Avoiding the discomfort now won’t help you in the long run. Not making the most of an opportunity to be in the limelight is short-term thinking. The best way to grow your confidence is to plan some small steps and keep taking them, one at a time.

Go on— take a deep breath and get presenting!

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