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Oh totally. I am actually a pretty introverted person so giving presentations is very hard for me. I have worked on developing a few calming mantras that help me to ground my nerves a bit before I go up and present. i've also just gotten a lot better with practice and feel like you kind of can't get better at it without just practicing over and over. I think that's the only way!
I think everyone finds it hard - as dumb as it sounds just remember to breath lol. You don’t need to speak 100mph, pauses in the right places are a good thing! And just practice as much as possible
Get on some beta blockers like propranolol. You may still get anxious but the drugs fight any symptoms that come from it. Also know your stuff - that also helps!
Beta blockers is basically heart medication. Please don’t take any such medication without consulting a doctor. Its usually given people to lower heart rate who have an arrhythmia and or to lower blood pressure. There is plenty of people who should not be taking it (people with heart failure, asthma, low blood pressure, diabetes, depression etc).
I always get nervous before presentations, I try to practice as much as I can so that I at least feel confident in what I'm saying and can be on autopilot a bit during it. I'll also try to take 10-15 minutes before the presentation to take some deep breaths and try to calm down so that I can start my presentation off in the right headspace.
I do breathing exercises. And joke to everyone about how I am always nervous. I have been doing this for 15 years now, it never really goes away.
I messed up introducing myself at a state conference in high school, resulting in an audience of about 4000 teenagers saying 'Hi Director' in unison. That pretty much nullified any stage fright I've ever had since. I've presented at a host of conferences over the past 10+ years, made blunders, fallen getting on to the stage, had to wing it when my computer wouldn't load my deck, and any other assortment of 'what can go wrong will go wrong'. I don't do a lot of conference style presenting anymore, but seriously... as long as I'm wearing pants, I can make it through - and make it entertaining.
Side note: I don't think I've ever bombed with a presentation. Since I just roll with the gaffes, more often than not, people still come up after and tell me they've enjoyed the presentation, ask me follow-up questions, and take my card. Ultimately, that means work.
Just do it more, you'll stop caring. I have no problem just shooting from the hip.
Define 'big' though. If I'm going to be live on stage in front of 3,000 people, I DO rehearse ahead of time.
Thanks everyone for the tips, glad im not alone
Practice before the presentation. Sometimes, anxiety arises because we do not know what we're going to say.
Also, when preparing for a presentation, keep one clear message in mind: What do you want your audience to take away from it? Having one clear message can help calm your nerves, as anxiety often stems from wanting to share too much information at once, which can overwhelm both you and your audience.
Lastly, be genuine. This helps me calm down too, as I don’t have to pretend to be someone else. Easier said than done I know. So yes, practice.
Experiencing anxiety before big presentations or meetings is a common challenge. Here are some strategies to manage and reduce this anxiety:
Preparation:
Thoroughly prepare your material. Knowing your content well can boost your confidence.
Practice your presentation multiple times. Rehearse in front of a mirror, record yourself, or present to a friend or family member.
Visualization:
Visualize yourself successfully delivering your presentation. Imagine the positive outcomes, such as the audience's engagement and your sense of accomplishment.
Relaxation Techniques:
Practice deep breathing exercises. Slow, deep breaths can help calm your nervous system.
Try progressive muscle relaxation, which involves tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups in your body.
Mindfulness and Meditation:
Engage in mindfulness or meditation practices to help focus your mind and reduce stress.
Apps like Headspace or Calm offer guided meditations that can be helpful.
Positive Self-Talk:
Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Remind yourself of your strengths and past successes.
Challenge any irrational fears by rationalizing the likelihood of worst-case scenarios.
Physical Activity:
Engage in some form of physical exercise before your presentation. Exercise can reduce anxiety and increase endorphins, which improve your mood.
Practice Public Speaking:
Join groups like Toastmasters, which provide a supportive environment to practice and improve your public speaking skills.
Get Support:
Talk to someone you trust about your anxiety. Sometimes just sharing your feelings can help alleviate some of the pressure.
Seek professional help if your anxiety is overwhelming. Therapists can provide techniques and support to manage anxiety.
Arrive Early:
Arrive at the venue early to familiarize yourself with the space. This can reduce last-minute stress and give you time to settle in.
Have a Backup Plan:
Prepare for potential technical issues by having backups of your presentation (e.g., on a USB drive, printed notes).
By combining these strategies, you can manage your anxiety and improve your performance in big presentations or meetings.