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Coping with Presentation Nerves

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It is entirely natural to feel nervous before making a presentation.

Many seasoned teachers, lecturers and other presenters feel nervous beforehand despite having given hundreds of presentations. The same is true of actors and actresses, celebrities, politicians, preachers and other people working in the media or in the public eye.

Being nervous is not a problem or a weakness, you just need to channel your nervous energy wisely. On the other hand, being over-confident and not nervous could be a weakness!

The symptoms of nerves (or stage fright) can include "butterflies" or a queasy feeling in your stomach, sweaty palms, a dry throat and the panic that your mind has gone blank about your opening lines.

Fortunately, there are some tried and tested strategies and techniques to manage your nerves so that you can concentrate on delivering an effective and engaging presentation.

These techniques will not get rid of your nerves; instead they will help you to use your nervous energy to your advantage. When you are in a heightened state from the adrenaline that is being pumped around your body, you can use that energy to communicate enthusiastically, convincingly, and passionately. The key is to decrease your level of nervousness so you can focus your energy on these positive activities, not on trying to control your nerves.

Managing Presentation Nerves

Leading up to the presentation.

It is essential to always be well prepared and well-rehearsed in order to feel confident.

Do not fixate on the presentation delivery at the expense of good preparation. 

Spend time preparing, good preparation, knowing your subject well, and knowing what you are going to say and how you are going to say it, will boost your confidence and help reduce your nerves. 

Think of a presentation like an iceberg: what your audience sees - the delivery - is a small percentage of the whole.  What goes on out of sight, the planning and preparation, should make up the bulk of the work.

Read our Presentation Skills pages for tips and advice on how to best prepare for your presentation, starting with: What is a Presentation?

Practice your presentation; rehearse to family, friends or just in front of a mirror. Listen to any feedback. Check your timings, speak slowly and think about the types of questions that your audience may have.

If possible visit the presentation venue before the event to see the room layout and check what facilities are available. This will help ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day and help you visualise giving your presentation, which can help reduce feelings of nervousness.

Keep Your Mind and Body Healthy

Nervousness can be heightened if you're not feeling 100%.

Avoid alcohol the night before and on the day of your presentation. Reduce or avoid your caffeine intake from coffee, tea and other sources.

Try to engage in some exercise the day before your presentation. This will not only release endorphins, which make you feel better, but exercise will also make it more likely that you'll sleep well and feel more refreshed on the day of your presentation.

See our pages The Importance of Exercise and The Importance of Sleep for more information.

Eat healthy. If you're feeling nervous then you may not feel like eating. However eating something healthy, fruit and vegetables are always good choices, will make you feel better and give you the energy you need to get through presentation day.

Immediately before the presentation

When you feel nervous immediately before a presentation, the following strategies and exercises should help you:

Practice Deep Breathing

Adrenalin causes your breathing to shallow. By deliberately breathing deeply, your brain will get the oxygen it needs and the slower pace will trick your body into believing you are calmer. This also helps with voice quivers, which can occur when your breathing is shallow and irregular.

Drink Water

Adrenalin can cause a dry mouth, which in turn leads to getting tongue-tied. Have a glass or bottle of water handy and take sips before you start your presentation and occasionally during your presentation, especially when you wish to pause or emphasize a point. Take care not to take large gulps of water.

Chewing gum before a presentation may help you to feel more relaxed. Research has shown that the act of chewing can increase your alertness and help to reduce anxiety. It is usually best to get rid of the gum when you start your presentation.

Use Visualization Techniques

Imagine that you are delivering your presentation to an audience that is interested, enthused, smiling, and reacting positively. Cement this positive image in your mind and recall it just before you are ready to start.

Self-Massage

Press and massage your forehead to energize the front of the brain and speech centre.

Relaxation Exercises

Although you may not feel relaxed before you give your presentation relaxation, exercises can help.  Try the following relaxation exercises, but do not continue with them if they cause any pain or discomfort although remember that you may use some muscles you have not exercised for a while and so feel a little stiff afterwards.

Quick Relaxation Exercises

• Stand in an easy position with your feet one pace apart, knees 'unlocked' and not rigidly pushed back, spine straight, shoulders not tense, and head balanced.  Try to keep your face muscles relaxed by not clenching your jaw or clamping your teeth together.
• Now stretch SLOWLY upwards, aim to touch the ceiling but keep your feet flat on the floor.  Then flop forward from the waist bending your knees slightly as you go.  You are now hanging forward like a rag doll - your arms and head totally unsupported and relaxed.
• Straighten up SLOWLY, almost vertebra by vertebra, as if you were puppet and a giant puppet master was pulling you up by the strings keeping your head until last, when you are standing in your original easy position.

Repeat this exercise three times.

Alternatively you can relax in a chair:

• Sit comfortably with your lower spine pressed into the back of the chair.
• Raise your arms above your head and stretch as high as possible.
• Release your arms to your sides and bend forwards with your legs stretched out and stretch your arms out far as possible.
• Return to your starting position.

See our section: Relaxation Techniques for more information and ideas of how you can learn to relax effectively.

During the presentation

Many people find that once they are actually giving their presentation or speech they feel a lot better and more relaxed. But it's important to remember to:

Just before you start talking, pause, make eye contact, and smile. This last moment of peace is very relaxing and gives you time to adjust to being the centre of attention.

Smiling is a natural relaxant that sends positive chemical messages through your body. Smiling and maintaining eye contact also help you build rapport with your audience.

Speak more slowly than you would in a conversation, and leave longer pauses between sentences. This slower pace will calm you down, and it will also make you easier to hear, especially at the back of a large room.

Move Around

Move around a little during your presentation as this will expend some of your nervous energy. However, try not to pace backwards and forwards, or rock on your heels, as these activities can be distracting or irritating to your audience.

Stop Thinking About Yourself

Remember that the audience is there to get some information and that it is your job to put that information across to them. Try to put your nerves aside and think about communicating your message as effectively as possible.

After the event

It's important to focus on the positives of your presentation once you've finished. Experience is the single most effective way of overcoming presentation nerves and delivering better presentations in the future.

Get feedback

When possible, ask members of your audience for constructive feedback on your presentation. Listen to what they say and focus on areas that need improvement. Try to see any negative points not as a measure of failure but as learning opportunities for future presentations. Our page on Giving and Receiving Feedback may help here.

Use reflective practice

Reflective practice is a useful technique to help you think about and analyse your experiences and can be used for many aspects of life. The use of reflective practice for a presentation can be particularly useful for helping to minimise feelings of nervousness for future presentations. See our page of Reflective Practice for more help and information.

Don't beat yourself up

Like most things in life, presentations are unlikely to be perfect and there are always ways you can improve. When you get feedback from others and reflect on your own performance, it is important that you understand this and give yourself a break. Think about the positives and what went well, and learn from any mistakes or elements that you feel unhappy with.

Treat yourself

Treat yourself to something that you'll enjoy. Perhaps a glass of wine, or a nice cake or just a relaxing soak in the bath. Something to make you feel a bit special and recognise your achievement.

Continue to: Dealing with Presentation Questions Stress and Stress Management

See also: Preparing for a Presentation | Organising the Material The Newbie Blueprint for Virtual Presentation Success

5 Tips for Overcoming Presentation Anxiety

Feeling jittery before a university presentation? You're in good company! In this article, Camila Franco, a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (Honours) student at UQ, generously shares her expert tips on overcoming presentation anxiety. Get ready to transform from fearful to fearless with her invaluable advice!

Facing your classmates and delivering information that you've just learned, or are still mastering, can be a daunting task. I recall my first presentations vividly—when I didn’t have so much experience at public speaking, I felt my mouth extremely dry and started stuttering. My heart was pounding so hard, and my anxiety just became worse as I was looking to the public thinking they were judging me for my mistakes.

Here's the deal: even the most self-assured speakers can get a bit jittery before a presentation. A sprinkle of nerves can actually enhance our focus and keep us sharp. While that's somewhat comforting, there are effective strategies to tackle these pre-presentation jitters. But before we delve into those, let’s first gain a clear understanding of what presentation anxiety truly entails!

Understanding Presentation Jitters

The fear of public speaking often boils down to worrying about how the audience will perceive us. It's totally normal to stress over stumbling over words, forgetting what we're going to say, or feeling physically awkward like sweating or shaking. Recognising these signs of anxiety creeping up is the first step to handling them:

• Muscle tension
• Shaky hands
• Dry mouth, sweating, or blushing
• Upset stomach
• Feeling dizzy
• Catastrophic thoughts
• Trouble sleeping
• Heart racing or chest feeling tight

While these symptoms can feel overwhelming, they're definitely not unbeatable.

Let's dive into some tricks to help you prep and feel more confident when you're up against public speaking challenges.

Tip 1: Prepare a well-structured presentation

Success in public speaking begins with thorough preparation. Take the time to research your topic extensively and understand your audience's needs and expectations. Structure your presentation logically, and design visually engaging slides to support your message. Rehearse your script until you feel comfortable with its flow and content.

Tip 2: Polish and rehearse your script

Embrace a growth mindset and view challenges as opportunities for improvement. Practice delivering your speech aloud and use self-recording to evaluate your performance objectively. Seek feedback from friends or family members and incorporate their suggestions to refine your presentation. Familiarise yourself with the venue beforehand to alleviate any logistical concerns.

Tip 3: Challenge Negative Self-Talk

Identify and challenge the negative thoughts that contribute to your anxiety. Write down your concerns and the potential consequences you fear. Take a step back and assess whether these thoughts are realistic or exaggerated. Reframe negative self-talk with more balanced and empowering statements.

Tip 4: Create a Troubleshooting Plan

Anticipate potential challenges and devise strategies to address them proactively. For instance, keep a glass of water handy to combat dry mouth, or prepare standard responses for unexpected questions. Having a plan in place will boost your confidence and help you navigate any hurdles smoothly.

Tip 5: Practice Mindfulness

Incorporate relaxation techniques into your routine to manage anxiety effectively. Experiment with breathing exercises, visualisation, or meditation to calm your mind and body. Cultivate mindfulness habits that you can employ before, during, and after your presentations to stay grounded and focused.

When to Get Professional Help

If your presentation nerves are really starting to mess with your academic or personal life, it might be time to reach out for some extra support. Keep an eye out for signs like constantly avoiding presentations, messed-up sleep or eating habits, or weird physical symptoms that don't seem related to anxiety.

Consider chatting with a mental health pro or counsellor who can offer personalised advice and a listening ear. There are plenty of avenues of support you can turn to, including a range of programs and counselling services offered at UQ to help support students’ health and wellbeing.

Dealing with public speaking jitters is tough, but totally doable. Our university days are the perfect time to work on our presentation skills and boost our confidence. Push yourself a bit, tap into the resources around you, and you'll soon be rocking those speeches like a pro. Remember, every presentation is a chance to learn and grow.

Camila Franco

• Uni Minds: Navigating Mental Health Challenges
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Article • 10 min read

Managing Presentation Nerves

How to calm your stage fright.

By the Mind Tools Content Team

Your stomach is queasy, your palms are sweaty, and your mind has gone blank about your opening lines. What will you be like when you've been introduced and the room goes quiet?

Are you doomed to presentation panic or paralysis, or can you overcome that debilitating nervousness and deliver a speech that wows the audience? (Or at least leaves them feeling satisfied?)

If you're like most people, then public speaking or presenting is one of your major fears (it's known as "glossophobia"). Yet these skills are often called upon. It might not be to an audience of hundreds, but giving presentations to staff or even team members is a common enough occurrence. You owe it to yourself to develop some strategies and techniques to manage your nerves so that you can concentrate on delivering an effective and engaging presentation.

A positive mindset is vital to delivering a good presentation.

How Nervous Do You Feel Before a Speech?

Notice that we didn't say to get rid of your nervousness. This is because presenting is not a natural activity, and even the most practiced presenters get a bit nervous. The point is this: your nervous energy can be used to your advantage.

When you're in a heightened state from the adrenaline that's being pumped into your body, you can use that energy to communicate enthusiastically, convincingly and passionately. The key is to decrease your level of nervousness so that you can use your energy on these positive activities, not on trying to control your nerves.

So, to harness your nervousness and bring it under control, there are six key tips to remember. These tips are all designed to help you focus on your audience and their needs rather than on yourself and how you are feeling. They all stem from one truism:

The more uncertain you are, the more nervous you will be.

The more you can control the uncertainty, the less nervousness you'll experience, and the more residual energy you'll have to devote to the presentation itself.

Six Steps to Conquering Your Presentation Nerves

1. know your audience.

Consult your audience before your presentation. The more confident you are that you're presenting them with useful and interesting material, the less nervous you'll be overall. You really don't want your presentation to be a surprise. If it is, you lose complete control over the audience's reaction, and that's a large factor in nervousness. So:

• Define your target audience.
• Ask people who are representative of the audience what they expect from the presentation.
• Run your agenda by a few people to see if they think something is missing or is overkill.
• Consider contacting participants by email beforehand and asking them a few questions about what they expect.
• Greet audience members at the door and do a quick survey of why they're there and what they expect.

2. Know Your Material

Nothing is worse for nerves than trying to give a presentation on a topic that you're not well prepared for. This doesn't mean you have to be an expert beforehand, but you'd better know it backward on presentation day. And making sure that you've understood your audience and their needs properly will help you to ensure that your material is on target to meet their needs.

Another important point to remember is that you can't possibly cover everything you know in your presentation. That would likely be long and boring. So select the most pertinent points, and supplement them with other material if time allows.

To make your material interesting and memorable, include occasional questions to encourage audience participation. This enhances the learning experience and gives you a break from presenting. It also allows you to deliver your information in a more conversational manner which is often more believable.

3. Structure Your Presentation

A common technique for trying to calm nervousness is memorizing what you intend to say. But all this does is make your delivery sound like it's coming from a robot. If you miss a word or draw a blank, your whole presentation is thrown off, and then your nervousness compounds itself with every remaining second. It's far better to structure your presentation so that you give yourself clues to what's coming next.

Here are some tips for doing that:

• Have a set of key phrases listed on a cue card.
• Refer to these phrases to trigger your mind as to what's coming up next.
• If you're using slides, use these key phrases in your transitions.

This approach helps you to control your own uncertainty about whether you'll remember your presentation – both what you want to say and the order in which you want to say it.

A simple, widely used and highly effective structure is to tell the audience what you're going to say, then say it, and then recap what you've said. Our article on How to Structure a Presentation covers this in detail.

4. Practice, Practice, Practice

Although you should avoid memorizing your presentation, you do want to be very comfortable with your delivery. Familiarity brings confidence, and practice helps you to deliver the words naturally. This means that they will be coming more from your heart and mind, rather than from a piece of paper.

Here's what to do when you're rehearsing:

• Learn the organization and order of your presentation.
• If you do feel the need to memorize, limit it to your opening. This will help you get off to a smooth start.
• Try filming yourself. You'll discover what you look and sound like to others, and then you can make a plan to change the things that need changing.
• Prepare for large speaking events by practicing with a smaller audience first; for example, by inviting colleagues to listen to a "dry run" during their lunch hour.

5. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

Once you know what you're going to say, you need to prepare yourself for the actual delivery.

• Decide what you're going to wear – make it comfortable and appropriate.
• Arrive early and get your equipment set up.
• Anticipate problems and have backups and contingencies in place in case something doesn't work, you forget something, etc.
• If possible, give everything one last run-through in the real environment.
• Prepare responses to anticipated questions. Try to think like that one person in the front row who always tries to trip the presenter up.

6. Calm Yourself From the Inside

Nervousness causes physiological reactions which are mostly attributed to the increase in adrenaline in your system. You can counteract these effects with a few simple techniques:

• Practice deep breathing. Adrenaline causes you to breathe shallowly. By breathing deeply your brain will get the oxygen it needs, and the slower pace will trick your body into believing that you're calmer. It also helps with voice quivers, which can occur when your breathing is irregular.
• Drink water. Adrenaline can cause a dry mouth, which in turn leads to getting tongue-tied. Have a glass of water handy. Take sips occasionally, especially when you want to emphasize a point.
• Smile. This is a natural relaxant that sends positive chemicals through your body.
• Use visualization techniques . Imagine that you're delivering your presentation to an audience that's interested, enthused, smiling, and reacting positively. Cement this positive image in your mind, and recall it right before you're ready to go on.
• Press and massage your forehead to energize the front of the brain and speech center.
• Just before you start talking, pause, make eye contact, and smile. This last moment of peace is very relaxing and gives you time to adjust to being the center of attention.
• Speak more slowly than you would in a conversation , and leave longer pauses between sentences. This slower pace will calm you down, and it will also make you easier to hear, especially at the back of a large room.
• Move around during your presentation. This will expend some of your nervous energy.
• Stop thinking about yourself . Remember that the audience is there to get some information – and it's your job to put it across to them.

To take this to the next level, listen to our " Performing Under Pressure " Expert Interview with Dr Don Greene. This gives you many more tips and techniques for managing performance stress.

When it comes to presenting, nerves are inevitable. Letting them get the better of you is not. You need to develop a strategy for taking the focus off your nervousness and putting that energy to positive use.

By controlling as much of the uncertainty as you can, you'll increase your confidence in your ability to deliver an excellent presentation. This confidence then counteracts your nerves, and you create a positive cycle for yourself.

For your next presentation, be knowledgeable, be well-practiced and prepared, and try out some physical relaxation techniques. Amaze yourself and impress your audience with your calm and cool delivery of a great presentation.

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Why do I get nervous before presenting?

How not to be nervous when presenting, 5 techniques to control your nerves, quotes for inspiration, speak with confidence.

If you feel nervous or scared about talking to someone new, giving a speech, or being on stage, rest assured: you’re not alone. 

Experiencing symptoms of performance anxiety like an increased heart rate, trembling hands, or excessive sweating is perfectly normal. In fact, people often fear public speaking . But the more you’re immersed in these types of situations, the more comfortable you’ll become . 

We’ll explore how to not be nervous for a presentation and offer inspirational quotes to help you step out of your comfort zone.

Based on data from the National Social Anxiety Center, fear of public speaking is the most common phobia . The official term for this fear is glossophobia, colloquially termed stage fright.

Stage fright typically arises from the perception that when you're in front of a group of people, they'll judge you. The brain’s frontal lobe aids in memory, and when we’re stressed, increased stress hormones temporarily shut that region down . This is what causes us to freeze up and stop talking. 

There’s nothing wrong with being nervous. We all have different social comfort zones, communication styles, and presentation skills. But we can expand and improve our skills if we’re cognitively flexible .

Cognitive flexibility plays a big role in our behavior and attitudes and impacts our performance. You can use your fears as a catalyst for growth and learning — including giving a great presentation.

The following techniques will help you shift your thinking from reactive to proactive to combat nerves throughout the presentation experience:

Before the presentation:

1. Know your topic

Don’t wing it when it comes to presenting any topic. The better you understand your subject matter, the more confident you’ll feel. You can answer questions right away and won’t have to rely on your notes.

If there are a few points or any information you think might arise during the presentation or Q&A, research it and become comfortable speaking to the subject.

Here are a few ways to study: 

• Break down concepts onto notecards
• Practice answering questions  (especially the hard ones you hope no one asks)
• Explain complex information to peers and colleagues

2. Be organized

Take time to thoroughly plan each aspect of the presentation. Often, that means designing PowerPoint slides or other visual aids like videos. Clarify with the organizer what format and technology you’ll be using.

If it’ll be virtual, get your background and room organized, too. This ensures the presentation will go smoothly, in turn reducing stress.  Consider the following preparations:

• Invite your support network to the event
• Arrive early to set up tech and get comfortable in the space
• Practice timing your presentation with the time tracker you’ll use day-of
• Bring a water bottle and a snack
• Contact your manager or venue staff to discuss any accessibility or tech concerns

3. Practice, practice, practice

Whether you’re rehearsing in front of a mirror, family member, or pet, you can never practice enough. Ask for feedback about your body language , eye contact , and how loudly you project your voice.

If you’ll be giving the presentation on a video conference, record it on the platform to see how you look and sound.

4. Visualize your success

Thinking through possible outcomes is a great way to prepare — but it can also backfire on you. If you obsess over negative what-ifs, this failing mentality might become a self-fulfilling prophecy. 

The more often you fill your mind with positive thoughts and visualize your success, the more automatic they’ll be. Positive self-talk can make a big difference to your confidence. Run through the presentation — successfully — in your head.

During the presentation:

5. Focus on your material, not the audience

Your audience is there for your presentation — not to assess you. They’ll be looking at your colorful slides and listening to what you’re saying. Don’t let your mind fill with insecurities . 

6 . Don't fear silence

If your mind suddenly goes blank, that’s okay. It may seem like an eternity to you as you try to figure out what to say next, but it’s only a few seconds at most. 

Pausing isn’t a bad thing, anyway. You can use dramatic breaks advantageously to draw attention before the most important bits. 

7 . Speak slowly

Presentation anxiety often causes nervous energy, so we speak faster than normal. This might make you fumble your words or forget important details.

Slow down. Audience members will be thankful since they can understand you , and drawing out your speech will give you time to calm down, ground yourself , and stay organized.

8 . Take deep breaths and drink water

Breathing delivers oxygen to your brain, allowing you to think more clearly. Drinking water ups your energy, and also gives you a moment to pause. 

Smiling is a simple yet effective way to soothe your nerves. Doing so releases endorphins, helping you physically feel more confident. And a friendly face will make the audience more open to what you’re saying. 

10 . Remember the three "audience truths"

These include: 1) for the duration of the presentation, the audience believes you’re the expert, 2) they’re on your side, and 3) they don’t know when you make a mistake. 

After the presentation:

11. Recognize your success

Giving a presentation is something worth being proud of — celebrate it! In addition to family, friends, and coworkers, you deserve a high five from yourself, too.

1 2. Collect feedback

Feedback is a wonderful gift if you use it as a tool to help you do even better next time. Ask some of your audience members what they liked and what they didn’t. Remember, you can learn a lot from your mistakes . 

1 3. Don't beat yourself up

You did the best you could, and that’s all anyone — including you — can ask for. 

Nervousness is perfectly normal, but sometimes our symptoms hold us back from doing — and enjoying — scarier tasks. Here are five tips for overcoming nerves:

1. Practice impression management

Impression management requires projecting an image that contradicts how you actually feel. It’s essentially a “fake it ‘til you make it” strategy.  Let’s say you’re about to make a corporate-wide presentation and feel worried you’ll forget important information. You’ll counteract this worry by imagining yourself remembering every detail and delivering it entertainingly.

Learn from this practice by noting the information chosen in your hypothetical and how you expressed it effectively. 

2. Talk to someone

Emotions are contagious. We absorb others’ positive vibes . Chatting with people who are excited about and confident in our presentation abilities rubs off on us. 

Before a presentation, call a cheerleader in your life — someone who’s on your side and understands your nerves. Be specific, discussing which parts of presenting are nerve-wracking and what you need from them.

3. Do breathing exercises

Mindful breathing is when you pay attention to the sensation of inhaling and exhaling while controlling and deepening breath length. Breathwork has several health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety and improving memory, attention, and focus. 

Before the presentation, find a quiet and solitary space. Breathe deeply for at least a minute, focusing on sensation and depth. This practice brings you into your body and out of your mind (away from nerve-wracking thoughts).

4. Practice reframing 

Reframing is a technique used in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) to improve negative automatic thought patterns over time. One such pattern is viewing certain emotions as bad, and others as good. Nervousness feels the same in the body as excitement. Instead of panicking even more when realizing you’re nervous, reframe your impression of nerves as excitement for what you’re about to do.

This excitement will propel you forward with confidence and pride for stepping out of your comfort zone and doing something scary.

Here are seven inspirational quotes to help you feel confident and excited when doing something you’re nervous about:

“You can speak well if your tongue can deliver the message of your heart.” John Ford

“ When speaking in public, your message — no matter how important — will not be effective or memorable if you don't have a clear structure. ” Patricia Fripp

“The most precious things in speech are the pauses.”  Sir Ralph Richardson

“The way you overcome shyness is to become so wrapped up in something that you forget to be afraid.” Lady Bird Johnson

“It’s what you practice in private that you will be rewarded for in public.” Tony Robbins

“The worst speech you’ll ever give will be far better than the one you never give.” Fred Miller

Like any other skill, learning how to not be nervous for a presentation takes time and practice. Acknowledging this hurdle is the first step to making a change in the right direction.  Facing your fears will empower you to take on scarier — and more fulfilling — goals and enjoy the experience along the way. You don’t have to start with a TED Talk. Tackle small challenges like presenting an idea to your manager or practicing a short speech with a friend.  We won’t sugarcoat it — it’s hard to change our minds and habits. But if you’re willing to put in the effort, you’ll be rewarded with increased confidence and new experiences.

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

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Top tips for overcoming those dreaded presentation nerves

By zcbepma, on 13 December 2018

Today student writer Priya gives her tips on preparing to give presentations at university, and how to calm those nerves! 

It doesn’t matter whether your presenting when you’re 5 years old or in your late seventies – everyone suffers from those dreaded nerves at some point or another. You might be hit with them the day before you’re due to speak in front of your class, going to an interview, a meeting or even going onto to stage. But it is imperative that you don’t allow them to hinder your performance and hold you back from achieving great things!

When you get to university, presentations are essential and they are pretty much thrown at you from the day you set foot through the door. You might be asked to present by yourself or in a group – either way, there are things that are expected; like being able to project your voice, speaking clearly and with confidence and being able to adapt. If what I’ve just said is making you quiver then don’t worry! I’ve devised a bunch of top tips to help you calm and prepare those pesky nerves!

1. Practice, Practice, Practice!!!

Yes, the first tip is the most obvious and the one that you probably didn’t want to hear, but, it is true! The more you practice the more you will start to feel comfortable with the information that you are required to present. This means that when the time comes you will be an expert in talking about it and answering any questions. If you have to present with some of your friends then make sure you practice together and do this more than once. Make sure you don’t stress out too much though! 10 minutes before you are due to present take a break – you need to keep a clear head!

2. Watch other speeches

Have you heard of TED Talks? No? Ok – go online and have a listen to some of these amazing speakers. You’ll find more than one inspiring individual and you can pick up a lot about what makes a good presentation. Note how they engage the audience and how they use their hands to communicate their message.

3. Meditate

This is an optional tip to help with anxiety and the jitters. Studies show that meditation can reduce anxiety and depression by increasing calmness.  It helps to deal with a loss of control and feelings of hopelessness. You don’t know how to meditate and want to try it? No problem – apps like Headspace can guide and give you some super handy tips on how to handle, manage and deal with stress.

4. Stay hydrated

So the tips mentioned so far are all things you should do way before the presentation, however, drinking water is one that you can use during the presentation. Drinking water stops your throat from getting scratchy – which happens when you are super nervous! Bring a bottle and keep it near so that you can reach for it before and during the presentation. (Just make sure you don’t overdo it otherwise you’ll have to run to the little boys/girls room)

Breathing is super important! When you get nervous or anxious you tend to breathe much shallower than usual meaning that your brain isn’t getting the normal amount of oxygen. Sometimes this can lead to hyperventilations or panic attacks. Make sure you take a long deep breath – in through your nose and out through your mouth. This can really calm you down and slow down your current heart rate meaning that you stay calm. Trust me – if you do this you will feel instantly better

Yes, this is no joke. Smiling makes you and the audience feel comfortable. You look confident. You look like you know what you’re doing. There is a reason, a scientific one at that, to smile. Smiling releases those endorphins and little hormones called Serotonin. This hormone is the happy chemical released in your brain and it relaxes your muscles and body – it slows your heart rate and decreases your blood pressure. All good stuff right? Even if you’re not feeling a Cheshire cat smile – do it and it will help the whole experience!

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How to Calm Your Nerves Before a Presentation

Last Updated: October 11, 2022 References

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure . Eric McClure is an editing fellow at wikiHow where he has been editing, researching, and creating content since 2019. A former educator and poet, his work has appeared in Carcinogenic Poetry, Shot Glass Journal, Prairie Margins, and The Rusty Nail. His digital chapbook, The Internet, was also published in TL;DR Magazine. He was the winner of the Paul Carroll award for outstanding achievement in creative writing in 2014, and he was a featured reader at the Poetry Foundation’s Open Door Reading Series in 2015. Eric holds a BA in English from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and an MEd in secondary education from DePaul University. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 1,554 times.

Whether it’s a wedding speech, work presentation, or school project, presentations can be a lot of fun if you adopt a positive attitude. Even if you do find your nerves acting up, there are plenty of simple measures that you can take to prevent your fears from getting the best of you. Adequately preparing your body and mind will ensure that you’re feeling great on the big day. There are also several simple exercises that you can use to trick your body into calming down before the presentation. If all else fails, there are plenty of ways to distract yourself!

Using Simple Tricks to Maintain a Positive Attitude

Tip: Performing this breathing exercise at least once a day is a good way to combat general performance anxiety.

• Visualization can turn negative feelings and thoughts into positive ones. Nervousness can become enthusiasm if you relax and refocus your energy.

• If you aren’t going to be alone before your presentation, go the bathroom and strike poses in the mirror.
• Smile. Even if you aren’t happy, you’ll trick your brain into thinking you are. There’s some truth in the adage that you should fake it until you make it!

• If you’re presenting a speech where humor is appropriate, consider starting with a joke to alleviate tension in the room.

Distracting Yourself to Calm Your Nerves

• Even if you aren’t a fan of it, uplifting classical music is an excellent way to subconsciously relax yourself. Mozart’s “Sonata No. 17 in C” and Prokofiev's “Classical” Symphony are excellent choices.

Tip: While up-tempo hip hop and heavy metal may be good at hyping you up for a basketball game or tough conversation, it’s not going to do a good job of calming your nerves.

• If you’re drawing faces, put a smile on them for a double-dose of positivity before you get up to speak. It won’t hurt to imagine a smiling face staring up at you from the audience!

• Fidget cubes and Rubik’s puzzles are other solid options for keeping your mind free from stress.

Preparing for Your Presentation

• Drinking too much coffee in the morning can make you jittery. Try to keep it to just one cup if you can.
• Don’t overeat. Too much food in the morning may make you feel sluggish or slow in the hours leading up to your presentation.

• Memorizing the first 3-4 sentences of your presentation is an easy way to make sure that you don’t get jammed up early on. It will also boost your confidence as you run through the rest of your presentation.
• If you can, record yourself speaking and play it back to see if there’s anything that you need to fix or work on.
• To simulate a real audience, ask a friend, roommate, or family member to sit through a practice session. They may be able to give you some advice as well!

• Don’t overdo it. If you strain your body, you could end up in pain. Nobody wants to present when they’re sore! A simple 15-20 minutes is more than enough to ensure that you’re feeling loose and ready.

• Showing up early will also give you plenty of time to set up a PowerPoint or any other technology that you need to use.
• Arriving early can give you an opportunity to practice one more time right before your presentation.

Tip: Rushing to show up on time is another cause of concern for a lot of people. Showing up early will remove this fear by giving you plenty of time to get where you’re going.

Expert Q&A

You might also like.

• ↑ https://thebuddhistcentre.com/text/mindfulness-breathing
• ↑ https://www.inc.com/larry-kim/15-power-up-tips-to-make-you-a-better-presenter.html
• ↑ https://hbr.org/2016/10/how-to-calm-your-nerves-before-a-big-presentation
• ↑ https://www.swamh.com/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=9762&cn=5
• ↑ https://www.inc.com/melanie-curtin/neuroscience-says-listening-to-this-one-song-reduces-anxiety-by-up-to-65-percent.html
• ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/society/christmas-charity-appeal-2014-blog/2014/dec/01/-sp-drawing-depression-the-doodle-chronicles
• ↑ https://www.health.com/adult-adhd/fidget-spinners-anxiety-adhd-autism
• ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesleadershipforum/2013/06/19/the-only-way-to-prepare-to-give-a-presentation/#6ff8dc20b84e
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-antidepressant-diet/201709/distracting-yourself-better-mood
• ↑ https://www.inc.com/rhett-power/3-public-speaking-tips-youve-probably-never-thought-about.html

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6 steps to a successful presentation

If you feel nervous at the thought of having to stand up in front of your peers and deliver a presentation you're not alone, but you're unlikely to get through university without having to do it. Follow these six steps to ensure success

Your tutor or lecturer mentions the word 'presentation' and the first thing you do is panic but there's no need.

Depending on your subject, you might be expected to summarise your reading in a seminar, deliver the results of a scientific experiment, or provide feedback from a group task. Whatever the topic, you'll usually be presenting to your tutor and fellow students.

While   getting up and making your case in front of an audience isn't easy, especially when you're not used to it, it really is good practice as many graduate employers use presentations as part of the recruitment process.

To help ensure that your presentation stands out for the right reasons, Graham Philpott, head of careers consultancy at the University of Reading provides some advice.

Prepare carefully

Give yourself plenty of time to prepare thoroughly, as a last-minute rush will leave you flustered when it comes to delivering your presentation.

'There are two important things to think about when preparing for a presentation,' says Graham. 'What do you want the audience to do once you have finished, and who are the audience? If you know these two things, preparation becomes so much easier.'

Plan out the structure and format of your presentation. 'A simple and successful way to structure your presentation is - agenda, message, summary - or to explain it a different way, tell them what you're going to tell them, tell them, then tell them what you've just told them,' advises Graham.

To help plan your content, Graham explains that 'there are only two purposes to a presentation, one is to inform, the other is to persuade. So, your content will either tell the audience what they need to know or convince them.' To make sure you stay on track ask yourself what you're hoping to achieve.

You can make detailed notes as part of your planning, but don't rely on these on the day, as reading from a prepared text sounds unnatural. If you want to take a memory aid with you use small index cards, as referring to A4 sheets of paper during your presentation can be distracting and highlight your nerves if your hands shake.

At the planning stage also consider the timings of your presentation. Time limits are set for a reason - falling short or going over this limit will likely result in a loss of marks, especially if it's part of an assessment or exam.

Don't forget to also devise answers to common questions you may be asked at the end of your presentation. You might think this adds to your workload, but it actually prevents you from being caught off guard on the day.

If you have to give a group presentation, discover  three tips for successful group work .

Use visuals wisely

'A presentation doesn't necessarily need a visual aid,' says Graham. 'However, if you decide to use them, they can help the audience understand what you're saying, and give you a framework to talk around.'

Bear in mind that visual aids should complement your oral presentation, not repeat it, nor deliver the presentation for you. While your slides should offer a summary of points, or illustrate the concept you're discussing, you need to remember that you are the main focus.

When putting together your slides and visual aids:

• Keep them simple . Stick to one idea per slide to avoid cluttering them and use short phrases or sentences.
• Think about accessibility . Does the design of your presentation interfere with its readability? Will everyone in the audience be able to read your slides? To ensure your presentation is accessible minimise the number of slides, use high contrast colours and a large, clear font. If using graphics, make them as simple as possible and avoid over-complicated charts or graphs. If using videos, make sure they are captioned.
• Don't let them distract you . If you intend to provide hand-outs for your audience, distribute them at the beginning or end of your presentation. Doing it halfway through can disrupt your flow.

Don't fall into the trap of merely reading aloud what is written on your slides - instead use them as a starting point from which you can expand and develop your narrative.

It's also worth pointing out that a presentation is only as good as its content. Your presentation could look visually beautiful, but if it lacks knowledge or substance your audience is unlikely to be fooled. 

Consider your audience

Speaking of your audience, it's essential that you keep them in mind at every stage - from the preparation of your presentation right through to the delivery.

To show that you have thought about the audience consider how much background information they will need. Do they already have some knowledge of the topic you're presenting?

Spending the first half of your presentation telling an audience what they already know will be frustrating for them. Equally, if you go straight into the detail, they may get lost. It's vital you get the balance right.

The tone of your presentation will also depend on your audience - if its purpose is to demonstrate to your seminar group that you've understood a certain topic you could strike a light-hearted tone. If it's an assessed piece of work on the other hand, you'll need to be more serious.

Practice with a friend

Before the main event you should run through your presentation in full more than once. 'It's also a good idea to practice the presentation out loud. This will give you a much better idea of how long it takes, and whether there are any parts that don't flow very well,' adds Graham.

'It might feel cringey, but practicing to an audience - friends, coursemates, family, your careers consultant if it's for a job - will really help too. Their feedback will be especially important when it comes to checking that your main point is getting through, loud and clear.'

Ask your practice audience to sit at a distance to check that everyone attending can hear you speaking and that they can see the slides. If possible, try to do this practice run in the room you'll be giving your presentation in.

This level of preparation will enable you to work out whether your presentation is the right length when spoken aloud and give you the chance to get used to expressing yourself in front of others.

 While you practice make sure that you:

• Speak slowly  - nerves can make you rush but try and moderate your speech. Take a breath at the end of every sentence or point you make.
• Face the audience  - to give a confident impression regularly make eye contact with your audience. If using a screen stand at a 45-degree angle so you have a good view of both your audience and your slides. Don't turn your back on your audience.
• Leave time for questions  - factor this into your overall time limit and be prepared to field any questions that come your way.

Another good tip is to record the practice run - you can do this on your phone or on Teams or Zoom. Play it back and reflect on it. Ask yourself if it's clear, concise, and if it makes sense. Pay particular attention to less obvious factors such as your facial expression and mannerisms. Do you come across well? Are you talking too fast or waffling? Are you smiling and personable?

Be positive

Leading up to the presentation try developing a positive attitude. This may seem easier said than done, especially if you're nervous but it will make a huge difference to how you perform.

Acknowledge your nervousness but don't let negative thoughts win. Instead of thinking about all the things that could go wrong visualise a positive outcome and focus on what you can do to ensure it runs smoothly.

On the day nerves can conspire to make you think that the room is against you, but this isn't the case. Remember that your tutor and your coursemates want you to succeed. To set your presentation up for success make sure your introduction is strong. Start with a confident attitude and a smile.

Don't rely on technology

We've all witnessed the agony of a presenter struggling with a faulty USB stick, failing to connect to the internet or not being able to get the projector to work. However, with a little bit of planning, you can minimise the risk of technology tripping you up.

If possible, test your presentation beforehand with the same equipment that you'll be using during the main event. Otherwise, arrive early on the day and have a run through. Make sure you know how to link your laptop to the projector and if your presentation includes links to web pages or video clips make sure these lead to the right places and are working beforehand. Bring back-ups of your documents and print out a few copies of the slides to share if things go wrong.

And if a piece of technology does fail, don't panic. It will happen to everyone in the room at some point. If you prove yourself prepared in the face of a disaster and handle it with grace it could impress your tutor more than if everything went according to plan.

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Top 10 Tips On How To Overcome Presentation Nerves As A Student!

14 Jun 2021

Emily Sleight

Table of Contents

Got a big presentation coming up at university and worried about those dreaded presentation nerves?

Don’t worry, we got you! Things like presentations can be really daunting, whether they’re virtual or in person!

It’s all about remaining calm, cool and confident, and not letting any nerves get the better of you.

We’ve got some top 10 tips here on how to overcome presentation nerves as a student, because let’s be honest, they can be overwhelming!

So, sit back, relax, take a breath, and let’s nail this presentation.

1. Practice Practice Practice!

So our main point on how to overcome presentation nerves as a student is, of course, plenty of practice!

Whether that’s in front of your uni mates in the library or in your luxury student accommodation – practice is key.

Call up your family and go over your presentation, or write down a few notes on some revision cards so it’s nice and fresh in your mind.

It’s important to not put too much pressure on yourself when practicing though, mistakes are natural and if they happen – don’t worry!

We’re all human at the end of the day, and you should be totes proud of yourself for even doing a presentation as a student.

2. Arrive Early

Still feeling those presentation nerves? If your presentation is in person, make sure you arrive early so you’re nice and prepared.

Arriving early is important to make sure you’re set up easily, and there won’t be any technical difficulties!

Whether you need to set up your laptop and plug it into the big screen, or need to go over some notes, arriving early is the best option.

That way, you can have some time to prepare, take some deep breaths, and be confident!

3. Stay Hydrated

A super important one is staying hydrated, not only will it help calm your nerves, but stop you from having a dry throat too!

It’s a good idea to have a bottle of water handy, just in case you feel like it during your presentation.

It’ll not only refresh you but stop your voice from sounding all crackly and nervy – bonus!

4. Power Stance

Yasssss it’s all about the power stance people! Having a nice powerful stance can really increase your confidence levels and make you feel good.

Sounds silly, but it’s amazing how good you’ll feel just even standing in a certain way!

Certain stances can really make you feel powerful and can banish away any presentation nerves.

You may feel a little weird practicing power stances, but trust us, we’ve tried and tested it and it actually works!

5. Turn Your Nerves Into Excitement

Got a bit of a nervy tummy and butterflies? We challenge you to turn that into excitement, it’s a really easy trick.

Try to train your brain to feel excited and ready for the presentation, as opposed to dreading it and biting your nails!

The night before when you’re tossing and turning struggling to sleep, have a word with yourself, tell yourself you got this.

Tell yourself that you can’t wait to smash this presentation, and look forward to a cheeky reward after (which we’ll touch on later.)

Turning your nerves into excitement takes practice, but it’s a really good way of waving goodbye to those grim presentation nerves.

6. Block Out Distractions

When you’re giving your presentation, whether that be virtual or in person, remember to try and block out distractions.

Distractions can make you even more nervous, resulting in you feeling unconfident and under prepared.

Now, distractions could be anything from your mate in the classroom smirking at you, or a loud ticking clock.

Just remember this is your time to shine and don’t let any distractions bug you!

7.  Take Deep Breaths

Breathe in…and out! Now I know you probably think reminding you to breathe is a little bit obvious…

But, we’re talking about deep breaths here, they can actually really calm you when you’re in a nervous situation.

Take a deep breath in through your nose and let your belly push your hand out, your chest shouldn’t move.

Feel the hand on your belly go in and use it to push all the air out, sounds weird but this breathing exercise for relaxation is fab.

8. Positive Affirmations

You’ve probably heard the term ‘positive affirmations’ floating around here and there, but what do positive affirmations actually mean?

Well, we’re here to give you a little lesson on them, and believe it or not, they’re actually pretty easy to grasp!

Positive affirmations are all about harnessing positive thinking, and turning negative thoughts into, you guessed it…positive ones!

Affirmations are positive statements you repeat over and over in your head to challenge and overcome self-sabotaging thoughts.

For example in this case, keep telling yourself you’re going to absolutely smash this interview, you’ll be amazing etc.

Don’t worry about feeling arrogant, this is all about being confident, there’s nothing wrong with that!

9.  Meet And Greet

Of course, this point might not apply if your speech is virtual, but even if it is, you can still meet and introduce yourself to everyone watching!

This will really help ease your nerves, and make you realise that it’s really not all as bad as you think.

Meeting and greeting the people attending your presentation will also give off confident vibes, which is definitely what we want!

10. Reward Yourself

Perhaps the best part of getting over presentation nerves is rewarding yourself with something after your presentation!

Whether that’s a cheeky glass of wine with your mates, a takeaway, or a trip to the cinema, make sure it’s something you know you’ll enjoy.

That way, you can feel positive going into your presentation knowing that you can have a fab time afterwards!

After all, you deserve a reward, uni presentations can be daunting and difficult, but we promise they’re never as bad as you think.

We hope you found these tips useful! We know that presentation nerves are real, and it can be super difficult to shift them, but if you take these steps on board, you’re bound to nail it. Remember to relax, be chill, and be confident! You got this.

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8 Ways to Deliver a Great Presentation (Even If You’re Super Anxious About It)

• Joel Schwartzberg

Know your point, always.

Feeling anxious about a presentation? It’s likely about a fear of public humiliation rather than of public speaking.

• Shift the spotlight from yourself to what you have to say.
• Reject the voice in your head trying to destroy your confidence.
• Knowing what matters – and what doesn’t – will help you succeed.

Where your work meets your life. See more from Ascend here .

I recently worked closely with a 24-year-old client — let’s call him Martin — who was tapped to deliver a five-minute presentation at his company’s annual town hall meeting. Martin had never given a public speech in his professional life, but his accomplishments impressed his supervisors, and they wanted Martin to share his success with the rest of the organization.

• JS Joel Schwartzberg oversees executive communications for a major national nonprofit, is a professional presentation coach, and is the author of Get to the Point! Sharpen Your Message and Make Your Words Matter and The Language of Leadership: How to Engage and Inspire Your Team . You can find him on LinkedIn and X. TheJoelTruth

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6 Steps To Overcome Presentation Nerves

Standing up in front of a group of people and giving a presentation can be scary. Some people may find it easier than others and for those who suffer from nerves, it can be a real challenge.

However, presentations are an essential part of your Pathway course, which means having to speak in public. This is because this is what is expected of you as an undergraduate in the UK, and also, the world of work beyond graduation.

Whether you are required to present on your own or as part of a group, you must be able to talk clearly and in an engaging way to the rest of the class. We have come up with a few tips to help you face your fears and deliver a great presentation.

Watch other speeches

There are many videos of speeches on YouTube, from Martin Luther King’s ‘I Have A Dream’ to Steve Jobs addressing Stanford University students. Don’t worry – no one expects you to become as good as a human rights activist or tech genius overnight, but it is good practice to watch masters at work. You can learn from the way they speak and how they connect with their audience, both through their voice and their gestures.

You might have heard the saying, ‘practice makes perfect.’ The best way to become good at something is to do it over and over again – and giving a presentation is no different. Try on your own at first, then in front of friends a couple of times and ask them what they think you could do to improve. If you’re part of a group, make sure to practice together more than once. Top tip: Ten minutes before your presentation, stop practicing and sit quietly – this will help you stay calm.

Know your stuff

You will be more confident if you actually know what you’re talking about in your presentation. This goes beyond just knowing your lines, if you know the subject you’re naturally going to feel confident talking about it. This also helps should any questions be asked about your slides. So make sure you properly research and prepare for your presentation, and trust us, you’ll want to present it!

What happens when you get nervous is that your breathing tends to speed up and become shallower. When this happens, your brain gets less oxygen and sometimes you can begin to hyperventilate (breathing very fast). As soon as you start to panic, take a deep breath in through your nose and out through your mouth. This will calm you down and slow your heart rate.

Stay hydrated

You’re going to be using your voice, so you want it to be as clear and as strong as possible. Drinking water is a great way to make sure your throat and mouth don’t get dry, as well as being great for your general health and wellbeing. Bring a bottle with you into the presentation. Have some before you start and then keep it nearby in case you want some more a little later.

Smiling is actually slightly magical. As well as making you appear confident and attractive, smiling is good for your health! It releases dopamine, endorphins and serotonin (all the happy chemicals in your brain) which relaxes your body, slows your heart rate and lowers blood pressure. It’s hard to smile when you feel nervous but take a deep breath and make yourself – it will help you and those you are speaking to enjoy the whole experience much more.

If you’d like to expand your career horizons by studying at Northumbria, then take a look at one of the many  pathway courses  available. Or  contact us directly  for any other questions.

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Interview and presentation nerves

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When you have an interview or presentation coming up it's quite natural that you might feel nervous, especially if you haven't had to do many before. Learning how to manage your nerves will leave you feeling more in control and able to perform. There are some great ways that you prepare and keep these nerves at bay.

Practical steps you can take

Change your Thinking

Notice any worries you have, write them down or share them with someone you trust. Test out how accurate these worries are, by asking “How likely is that to happen (e.g. I forget some points about why I'm interested in the job/course)? If it did, how can I plan to avoid that?” Try this exercise to help you explore what you’re nervous about, and how to reframe it in a more positive way: Interview and presentation nerves - creating positive thoughts exercise

Now write a quick action plan as to how you can overcome these problems. How could you tackle this situation or problem differently? Build up your confidence by focussing on positives and reviewing your achievements.

Change Your Body Language

Adopting a positive posture will make you feel calmer. Smile, this simple act can make you feel happier, because when you smile you release the body’s natural feel good chemicals in the brain. Watch the TED talk by Amy Cuddy which shows how a change in your body language can affect your confidence.

Move to release any tension

Exercising helps to work out any excess adrenaline and will help to make your feel better by releasing the body’s natural mood enhancing chemicals. Taking a walk and getting some fresh air and noticing the world around you is a great way to take your mind off your nerves.

Change Your Breathing

Breathing more deeply and taking twice as long to breath out than breathing in will have a calming effect, breath in for a count of 6 and out for a count of 12. This in turn will help calm your mind if it is racing and help to level out your voice.

Relax Your Muscles

Relax the shoulders and muscles in the face and neck will help you to feel calm. Practice this activity by doing a body scan exercise or try a guided relaxation techniques. workshop in the University’s well-being rooms

• Relaxation audio downloads from the Counselling Service
• Relaxation and mindfulness workshops at the University of Manchester

When you are anxious, you can lose your appetite altogether or feel like you need to boost your energy with caffeine and sugar. Maintaining a healthy balance will help you to remain calm and in control.

• Preparing for interview questions can help you to feel more confident about what the company does and what questions they may ask you
• Review your CV so that you feel familiar and confident to cite examples from your own experiences – see interview section of our website
• Ask them to repeat the question
• Ask 'can I have a moment to consider that?'
• Ask if you could come back to that question

Presentations

• If you have been advised of your presentation topic in advance, rehearse so you feel practised at what you will say.
• If you don’t know the topic, recognise that there’s no point worrying about that as it will be a surprise for every candidate. Instead, focus on your audience, and helping them. What do they want to hear about? How will I make sure I deliver that for them? This can make you feel more confident because you are no longer focusing on yourself.

Useful resources

• Interview and presentation nerves - creating positive thoughts exercise ‌
• Overcoming interview nerves – by someone who did it
• Presentation skills online courses - from the University library
• How to boost your confidence TED talk by Amy Cuddy

You might also find a simulation interview with a Careers Consultant a helpful way to prepare and get feedback on your performance and what you could do to improve.

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Message in a body: controlling your nerves during an oral presentation

According to 'The Book of Lists', which, as you might be able to understand from its title, is not exactly the type of publication you will find on Pubmed, the fear of speaking in public is second only to being burnt alive! Statistically speaking, this means that a certain number of people might even seriously consider being burnt alive rather than have to face the torment and ordeal of speaking before an audience. A peer audience at that. Yet, it has to be said that nervousness before a presentation is more than normal. Unfortunately, it is a problem that causes not only suffering for the speaker, but can also destroy even a well-prepared presentation. A good rush of adrenalin can, of course, be used to your advantage and give you a push in the right direction. The secret is knowing how to conceal and control your nervousness.

Most congress speakers worry about being judged negatively by others. People don’t want to look stupid and, moreover, don’t wish to fail to deliver the correct answers during ‘question time’ (which we spoke about in detail last time). Other reasons why people are nervous during oral presentations involve such things as fear of failure and fear of the unknown, forgetting what you have to say, not having enough to say in the allotted time, having too much to say in the allotted time, feeling inadequate (especially linguistically inadequate) and a general dislike of being 'put under the microscope'.

Body language is a very important part of a presentation. A good way to study body language is by turning down the volume of your TV to watch newsreaders, actors and talk-show hosts who are able to use facial expressions, head nodding, smiles and frowns to convey a million emotions.

People often ask me what they should do with their hands during a presentation. Well, what you shouldn’t do is probably easier to describe:

• do not play with things in your pockets, such as coins or keys

- this is just  too  casual

• do not fold your arms across your chest
• do not wave your arms around so you seem like a windmill
• avoid playing excessively with your hair and your spectacles

You can move your hands around a bit to add some kind of dramatic and theatrical effect to what you are saying. You do not need to keep your arms vertical and rigid, as if you are a soldier standing to attention. In any case, your hands will be necessary to hold your laser pointer, or eventually change slides on your computer, so it will be impossible to keep them in the same position throughout your talk.

Then we have the so-called ‘pause noises’, such as ums and ers , which should never become too noticeable (a teacher at school was so boring that we students would prefer to count his ums and ers rather than listen to his excruciatingly tedious lessons).

Don’t speak too quickly or too quietly, drink water if your throat goes dry and try to control your breathing. Taking one or two deep breaths before speaking will generally make you feel more relaxed. Correct breathing patterns will also enhance voice volume and projection, which will no doubt be appreciated by your audience.

Eye contact is fundamental. Scan the audience and involve everyone present in your presentation, whether they are ten or a thousand. Never stare at people for too long as you might intimidate them, and also avoid private conversations with friends or members of the audience that look nice because they are nodding at everything you say and seem to agree with you all the time. Of course, the main thing to remember when you are speaking in public is that you have to at least give the impression, even when it might not be absolutely true, that you are enjoying yourself and wish for nothing more than to communicate your fascinating data to the gathered peer audience. When speakers are too worried about not being able to tell their story they sometimes disengage and don’t seem interested in communicating at all. This is, of course, a defence mechanism, but flat uninteresting and, what is more serious, uninterested voices are the sad result. The overall impression is that they couldn’t care less about speaking to the audience: not a good tactic to use.

Remember that successful communication is always a two-way matter. Even though you are talking to the audience, you should still sense their reaction to what you are saying. Work on all these things, and not only on your PowerPoint slides and data, if you want your presentation to be memorable.

Questions from the readers

1. How long should you spend on each slide so as not to bore the audience?

This depends on the type of slide you are describing. Simple slides can be presented in 30 seconds, while more complex ones can take up a minute or more. In any case, as a rule you should never spend more than two minutes on any slide.

2. Considering the fluctuating attention of the audience, and the importance to transmit certain fundamental data, should we aim to transmit our key points when the audience is fully concentrated? Can we use intermediate-conclusion terms such as ‘to summarise’ or ‘in conclusion’ to focus drifting audience attention, and how often might we do so without losing the audience’s respect and trust? Is it absolutely wrong to transmit important data when the audience is not 100% concentrated and can this type of phrase help regain audience attention?

If you are a dynamic speaker and give the impression that what you are speaking about is fundamental for the audience’s professional future, then there is no reason they will not listen to you, with or without intermediate conclusions, as long as your data are valid.

3. How should a case report be set out?

A case description is generally told in chronological order:

• patient’s presenting signs and symptoms and chief complaint(s)
• medical history e.g. family diseases such as heart disease or diabetes
• social history such as alcohol, drugs, tobacco
• medications being used
• results from physical examination and laboratory tests
• differential diagnosis
• final diagnosis (es)
• treatment and follow-up

Different journals have different styles. Each journal will make it clear if they want or not a brief introduction, a presentation of the case report and a discussion/conclusion. The above described order/check list applies to the case report paragraph.

4. While presenting a poster, should we follow the standard IMRAD (Introduction, Methods, Results And Discussion) scheme?

A poster generally follows the standard IMRAD format, although there is usually no abstract, methods are kept to a minimum and, most importantly, there is no long Discussion section. A poster should focus mainly on the principal results of the study being presented and should use as many images (graphs, tables, photographs) as possible to stimulate interest and attract viewers. You can change the order around to make things ‘more interesting’ if you think this will do the job.

5. Which is the best way to use a microphone during public speaking?

A microphone needs to be held close to your mouth so that it actually picks up your voice. Cable microphones can be annoying (due to the cable); radio frequency microphones give you more freedom to move around. Be sure to give a microphone to questioners so the rest of the audience can actually hear the question before you answer.

6. How can you effectively communicate orally during a slide presentation when your audience is divided into two different categories (e.g. nurses and doctors or surgeons and anesthesists)?

Who is in the audience will determine the type of presentation you give. Find out beforehand.

\'This is the eighth of a series of articles on this topic. Send any questions to [email protected] who will answer them as part of this column\'

How To Manage Nervousness Before A Presentation?

Imagine you have to make a presentation for a large group of people at work. How do you feel about…

Imagine you have to make a presentation for a large group of people at work. How do you feel about this task? For many people, the thought of public speaking is terrifying. Their palms sweat, they go weak in the knees and feel dizzy. Their anxiety and nervousness make them forget their words.

This isn’t an unusual reaction.  After all, the thought of every expectant eye being on you can be daunting. In fact, even the most experienced speakers can feel nervous before making a speech or presentation.

Don’t be nervous about presenting. Remember, making a presentation is a skill just like any other.   The more you practice it, the more you will improve. Every great speaker was once a beginner who made mistakes. Manage your presentation nervousness and calm yourself if you feel anxious. Speaking effectively is an essential skill in modern workplaces. This includes making presentations and giving talks.

What Are Presentation Nerves?

Studies show that the fear of public speaking is very common. People fear being judged for what they are saying. They also fear making a mistake and embarrassing themselves in front of a large group of people. Other common worries related to speaking in public include fumbling one’s lines, forgetting what one needed to say, and making an unimpressive presentation. These fears are the reason behind 'presentation nerves'.

If the thought of making a presentation makes your stomach churn, don’t worry. You are not alone. Presentation nervousness is rooted in a physical reaction. The human body prepares for upcoming danger by releasing chemicals and hormones that help it deal with stress or danger efficiently. Those who get presentation nerves are simply experiencing a manifestation of this physical function. 

If you are wondering how to calm your nerves before a presentation, read on. 

How To Stay Calm Before A Presentation

The secret to staying calm when making a presentation is in preparing well for it. Here are some things you should do in advance to calm your presentation nerves and deliver a confident and impactful presentation:

1. Prepare the Deck or Slides in Advance

Don’t wait until the last minute to begin creating the presentation. This will only add to your anxiety. As soon as you are given the task of making a presentation, get to work. Gather your data, plan your slides, and keep tweaking your deck until your presentation flows smoothly. Familiarize yourself with your material so that your delivery is effortless. Be prepared for any questions or challenges to your arguments. This will help you build confidence and reduce your presentation nervousness. 

2. Rehearse Your Presentation

If you feel worried about making your presentation even after thorough preparation, it might be a good idea to rehearse it a few times. Once you have rehearsed your presentation, the task no longer feels like an extremely difficult task to carry out. Rather, it is something you have already done before. Rehearsing with a colleague or a friend has a host of benefits. They can encourage you and give you constructive feedback. This will calm your presentation nerves. 

3. Get Ample Rest

If you want to be calm and composed before a presentation, you must be well-rested. With a good night’s rest and filling breakfast, you will feel much better. Don’t let your presentation nervousness keep you up all night rehearsing. Remember, once you have prepared enough, you need to be well-rested. This will give you the energy you need to make an impactful presentation. 

Tools To Reduce Presentation Nervousness

Harappa Education’s Speaking Effectively course has tools and frameworks to help you improve your verbal communication skills. The PAM–Purpose, Audience, Message–Framework will help you structure your message and tailor it to fit the audience and context. Here’s how to use it to quash your presentation nerves:

1. Determine Your Purpose

Knowing your purpose behind presenting will help you stay focused while you speak. Make sure you have a clear idea about the idea, action or theory you are proposing. Plan the route that you will take to make your points and know what comes after what.

2 .  Know Your Audience

Presentations vary based on the audience. Are you presenting to your peers, seniors, or clients? Your style, tone and delivery will depend on this crucial aspect. Before you begin a formal presentation make sure you introduce yourself and state the purpose of the presentation. On the other hand, if you are making a presentation to your peers within the organization, you could begin informally with a friendly introduction or even a humorous remark to break the ice.

3. Craft an Appropriate Message

Once you know your purpose and audience, you can create an appropriate message. Knowing that your message aligns with the audience and serves your purpose will calm you down and give you the confidence you need to present fearlessly.

How To Stay Calm While Presenting

Sometimes, even when an individual is completely prepared with their notes, slides, speaking points, and research, they can still experience presentation nerves. Speaking in front of a lot of people might be difficult for a few people, and that is okay. Here’s what you should do to remain calm while you are speaking:

1. Take Deep Breaths

Breathing exercises are the best answer to the question “How to calm down before a presentation”. Deep breathing with slow inhales and equally slow exhales will help you relax and reboot your mind. The simple act of breathing mindfully can release ‘feel-good’ hormones that will equip you to deal with any stress.

2. Use Body Language

Use body language that conveys confidence, friendliness, and calmness even if you are feeling anxious. Smile often. When you smile, two things happen. Your body relaxes, which calms you down. Your audience sees you smiling and mirrors your expression. You suddenly see a sea of smiling, friendly faces. Doesn’t that sound wonderful? Similarly, stand straight and loosen your tense muscles. This will make you feel calm and composed.

3. Don’t Panic

Ask yourself: what’s the worst that could happen if you made a mistake while presenting?  The answer is, not much. If you make a mistake or forget your point, it isn’t the end of the world. You can always correct yourself or calmly bring up the point you had missed and continue. Don’t fear mistakes–they are the path to success. When you make a mistake, don’t panic. Stay calm and fix it. Remember, you are in control of your presentation.

It’s normal to feel nervous before making a presentation. Just make sure your nervousness doesn’t hamper your ability to speak well. Stop your mind from running in loops and stressing about the presentation. Tell yourself that you’ve got everything under control.

Harappa Education’s Speaking Effectively course has tips on public speaking from world-class educators. Sign up for the course today to learn how you can deliver a pitch-perfect presentation!

Explore topics such as  Stress Management ,  How to Deal With Failure  &  How to Handle Pressure  from our Harappa Diaries section and cope with presentation nervousness.

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Second provost candidate on campus Thursday

The second of three candidates for the role of Washington State University provost will be visiting the Pullman campus tomorrow.

Candidate B will make a presentation to members of the WSU community from 1:20–2:10 p.m. Thursday, April 4, inside PACCAR 202. Their presentation will also be available to watch via Zoom , with a recording available for the following three days.

The names of the finalists as well as information about their work experiences and educational background, will be available on the Provost Search website the day before their presentations.

The final provost candidate is scheduled to make their presentations April 8. The first candidate made their presentation April 1.

Members of the university community will be able to weigh-in on the candidates via a survey that’ll become available following each presentation.

Husband provides immeasurable support as Spring Chosen Coug awardee

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April is financial capability month.

MTSU Star Party lecturer holds free presentation tonight, first Fridays

Middle Tennessee State University Physics and Astronomy lecturer Gregg McPherson will be featured in the next Star Party presentation that’s free and open to the public.

McPherson will present “Shoot the Moon (with a laser)” starting at 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 5, in Room 102 of Wiser-Patten Science Hall.

The format is a 30- to 45-minute lecture followed by a telescope viewing, weather permitting, at the nearby MTSU Observatory. Free  parking  can be found behind Wiser-Patten and other nearby lots.

McPherson said next year will mark the 20 th  anniversary of the Apache Point Observatory Lunar Laser-Ranging Operation, or APOLLO, experiment.

“Some of the most iconic imagery in movies and sci-fi is of laser beams shooting into the sky,” he said. “I got to intern at Apache Point Observatory in high school and the first night I saw in real life a giant green laser shooting up into the sky to span the distance between the earth and moon I knew I wanted to pursue a career in science.”

Despite centuries of humanity using telescopes to collect and observe light from the moon, this curious experiment uses telescopes to focus and transmit pulsed laser light to the moon, then records the round-trip time of flight of pulses reflected back to Earth by retroreflectors left on the moon's surface from five crewed lunar landings, McPherson said.

“Though other Lunar Laser-Ranging experiments preceded it, the APOLLO experiment can measure the 239,000-mile average distance to the moon with a precision of less than the thickness of a paperclip,” he added. “Scientists use this information to better test and understand ideas in general relativity, the shape of lunar orbit and even the rate at which the Earth's rotation is changing.” 

Typically held on the first Friday of the month during the semester, the  Physics and Astronomy  Friday Star Parties  feature an assortment of interesting astronomy and physics topics from faculty members.

The remaining Friday Star Party for the spring semester:

• May 3 — Topic to be announced, presented by instructor Irina Perevalova.

For more information about  Physics and Astronomy , one of 11  College of Basic and Applied Sciences  departments, call 615-898-2130.

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John Barth, towering literary figure and revered mentor, dies at 93

Barth, a johns hopkins graduate who later taught at his alma mater for more than two decades, was known for his postmodernist, unpredictable fiction and his exacting, generous teaching.

By Rachel Wallach

John Barth, A&S '51, '52 (MA), groundbreaking and prolific author, revered teacher, and professor emeritus in The Writing Seminars at Johns Hopkins University, died Tuesday. He was 93.

Image caption: John Barth

Best known for his postmodernist, unpredictable fiction and his exacting and generous teaching, Barth served on the Johns Hopkins faculty from 1973 until he retired in 1995. He is the author of 17 novels and collections of short fiction and three collections of essays. He won a National Book Award, F. Scott Fitzgerald Award for Outstanding Achievement in American Fiction, a Lannan Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award, and the PEN/Malamud Award for Excellence in the Short Story.

"Not just a master of fiction and of the literary essay, John Barth was a rhetorician on the order of a Samuel Johnson," said Jean McGarry , A&S '83 (MA), Academy Professor and Barth's former student and then colleague in The Writing Seminars. "Well-read and deeply thoughtful, it was a pleasure to be in his company, whether as his student or colleague. Passionate about literature, and with peerless taste, he was full of wit and wisdom, and had an almost scientific gift for anatomizing the elements of fiction: bones, flesh, nerves, heart, and lungs. He was also funny, tall, and handsome, and never missed a trick. In a rare way, he epitomized his fiction in his own gallant and witty person."

Barth's upbringing on Maryland's Eastern Shore left a powerful echo in the coastal settings of many of his books as well as the understated, southern lilt to his voice. After almost embarking on a career as a jazz drummer, Barth stumbled into what was then Johns Hopkins' Writing, Speech, and Drama department. In a 1999 oral history with the Sheridan Libraries' Mame Warren that revealed a self-deprecating sense of humor, he credits his "a la carte" education (his job reshelving books from wheeled carts in the classics and Oriental Seminary stacks of the old Gilman library) with filling in much of the literary background he had not yet accrued.

After earning his master's degree at Hopkins, Barth served on the faculty of Penn State, SUNY Buffalo, and Boston University before returning to Hopkins as professor in what had then become The Writing Seminars with a joint appointment in the English department. He invited authors including Salman Rushdie, Grace Paley, John Updike, Raymond Carver, Joyce Carol Oates, and Italo Calvino to read from their work, and they did.

As a teacher, he was famous for never imposing his own style on his students, instead imparting to them a sense of both imagination and craftsmanship. His keen ear as a reader made him a deeply admired mentor; leading by example, he showed students how to dissect stories, listen for style and voice, and discern worthy storytelling—whether in their own writing or that of others.

"One of the delights of sitting in his classroom was hearing him X-ray a story, finding its hidden bone structure and energy source, and still be helpful in cutting away the fat," McGarry wrote for a festschrift for Barth in 2015.

John Barth, writer who pushed storytelling's limits, dies at 93

John barth, novelist who orchestrated literary fantasies, dies at 93.

Michael Martone, A&S '79 (MA), remembers driving to Cambridge, Maryland, for the viewing when Barth's father died. "What I remember is that he told us three stories about funerals he had attended with the usual perfect presentation of his storytelling. It was amazing," said Martone, professor emeritus in the University of Alabama's Department of English. "That even in the midst of that moment he was composing the narratives that would become part of his future narratives and mine. He was all about the story and the famous Freytag pyramid. Stories have beginnings, middles, and ends, and each part needed tending, revising, and amending. And each part is connected, entwined, and harmonic.

"He was my teacher but also my first and always 'outside' reader," Martone added, noting that Barth had pledged on the first day of class to read his former students' published work if they sent it to him. "I did for forty-plus years, everything I published in magazines and books. And he responded every time with a brief note of receipt and a message of thanks and 'keep going, don't stop.'"

Image caption: John Barth is seated at the head of the table in the old board room at Shriver Hall in this image from the 1970s.

Image credit : Courtesy of the Ferdinand Hamburger Archives, Johns Hopkins University

Barth's fiction has been described as striking a commanding balance between postmodern self-consciousness and wordplay, and displays the characterization and compelling plot more common in more traditional genres. In works described as playful and challenging, funny and deadly serious, his plots fragment and his points of view shift. He covered ground from the Chesapeake Bay to the Bronze Age city Mycenae to a generic housing development. His translated works found wide audiences in languages including Finnish, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, and Polish, and continue to make significant appearances in public readings, recordings, adaptations, reviews, and critical essays.

Barth's writing veered from the existential to comical nihilism to metafiction; in 1987's "The Tidewater Tales," a minimalist novelist and maximalist oral historian tell each other stories while sailing around the Chesapeake. "Lost in the Funhouse" features a 13-year-old boy exploring Ocean City, Maryland, with his family and simultaneously commenting on his own story, leaving readers reeling between the plot and the commentary as if visiting a boardwalk funhouse. Other best-known works include "The Sot-Weed Factor," "The Floating Opera," "Giles Goat-Boy," and "Chimera," for which he received the National Book Award for fiction in 1973

In 1995, Barth retired from Hopkins and became a senior fellow at Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland. He received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Hopkins in 2011, was a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

The Johns Hopkins Sheridan Libraries hold collections of Barth's manuscripts and books from his personal library, acquired in 2014 . A 2015 exhibit introduced the collection to the public . Typescript drafts with Barth's handwritten corrections offer a glimpse into his writing process, while reviews and critical analyses reveal evolving attitudes toward postmodernism and meta-fiction. The Sheridan Libraries are also processing newly acquired materials, including a set of letters between Barth and his long-time friend and fellow writer Daniel Tamkus. Additional papers can be found at the Library of Congress .

Tagged literature , writing seminars , obituaries , john barth

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Championing Supply Chain Excellence: A Triumph at TCU Case Competition 2024

Sajal dixit, mba '24 describes his victory alongside teammates juhi goenka, tobias kern, and saurabh pappu at the texas christian university supply chain case competition in february 2024..

April 5, 2024

Greetings! Have you ever felt the thrill of competing against some of the best minds in the country, especially in the exhilarating field of supply chain management? Well, let me take you through our incredible journey that concluded with us winning the prestigious TCU Supply Chain Case Competition 2024 (Feb 22-24) in Texas. This story is not just about victory; it’s a testament to teamwork, strategy, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage and let me take you behind the scenes of this remarkable experience.

Every year, the TCU Supply Chain Case Competition gathers bright, ambitious, and forward-thinking students from business schools across the United States. Picture this: 16 teams from various corners of the country, each bringing their unique approach to supply chain management, and all converging for a showdown that promised to push our limits and expand our horizons. The Wisconsin School of Business participates in this competition every year and this year, I was fortunate to represent my university at this event. My team and I, a spirited group of four from different walks of life but united by our passion for supply chain management, decided to throw our hat into the ring. My team (I couldn’t have asked for a better one) was comprised of three other students, Juhi Goenka, Tobias Kern, and Saurabh Pappu, and assisted by our center director, of Grainger Center for Supply Chain Management, Jake Dean.

The Stage is Set with a Networking Dinner

The first day kicked off with a networking dinner. This wasn’t just any dinner; it was our first opportunity to size up the competition, and more importantly, to make some friends. Amidst the clinking of glasses and the exchange of pleasantries, you could sense everyone’s excitement and nerves. It was a wonderful icebreaker, setting the tone for the collaboration and camaraderie that would define the next few days. I got a chance to meet sponsor companies, some business professionals of Texas, and professors and other administrative people of TCU Neeley School of Business and exchange some business insights. The main showstopper was the mascot of TCU, horned frog. He was there for our silent entertainment. Now it was a time to get a sound sleep to face the next 36 challenging hours. Before going to bed, we decided to fill up our stocks with some energy bars and drinks to make us energized for next 2 days; Walgreens next door was a savior.

The Real Challenge Begins

On the bright morning of the second day, at precisely 9:30 am, we were handed the case we needed to solve. The clock started ticking — we had 24 hours to submit our strategy. It was a moment of adrenaline rush mixed with a dash of anxiety. The case was comprehensive, covering intricate aspects of the supply chain, operations management, logistics management and business strategy that demanded our utmost attention and skill. As we knew this was going to be long day, the priority was to make us settled, get comfortable and be in the right mindset for the approach. We took time to read the case, understood the specific nuances and the challenge questions the case asked us to solve. Making the timelines beforehand helped us in shaping our strategy. Additional challenge was introduction of a new supply chain software (which no one from us had ever used before) in forming our solution.  We kept analyzing various possible solutions, and it was 7 PM where our full-fledged solutions flushed out. I realized that we were slightly behind the timelines in formulating the recommendations, but I knew that if we were able to justify our solutions with research backed analysis, industry insights and staller presentation, we will make it through. Those 24 hours were a whirlwind of brainstorming, analysis, and relentless teamwork. Our room was a chaos of papers, laptops, empty coffee cups, and energy drinks — a testament to the hard work we were putting in. It was during these moments that our team’s strength shone through. Despite the looming deadline, our spirits were high, punctuated with bouts of laughter and mutual support.

First Round Presentation

After submitting our solution, the first round of presentations began next morning. We had couple of dry runs before and were confident enough to stand solid, but as they say, the big stage makes you nervous. Standing in front of the panel of judges (supply chain industry experts) and our peers, presenting our ideas, was a nerve-wracking yet exhilarating experience. We’d put our heart and soul into the case, and it was time to defend our solution. The judges liked our approach, recommendations, and team bonding. And guess what, our hard work was acknowledged as they announced us among the top 5 teams to move up into the Championship round. It was a happy moment, but at the same time, came with extra expectations to do better in the final round and sealing the top place.

The Championship Round

By the time the championship round arrived, our confidence had soared, but our energy was sunk. We decided to relax for a bit and then team-up again to fine-tune our presentation based on the feedback and we were ready to give it our all. The competition was fierce, with every team bringing their A-game. However, when we finally delivered our presentation, it felt like everything clicked into place. It was a moment of triumph when our name was announced as the winners. The feeling of achievement and recognition was unparalleled. We hugged each other at the podium.

Victory and Celebration

The culmination of the competition was the reception dinner at the hotel rooftop. The atmosphere was electric, with everyone in high spirits. The view was gorgeous, the drinks were amazing, but what made it truly special was the feeling of camaraderie with other students that had developed over the past three days. We celebrated not just our victory but the spirit of learning, friendship, and the shared passion for supply chain management.

Reflection on our Win

Winning the TCU Supply Chain Case Competition was a monumental milestone for me. We emerged from the competition not just as winners but as learners who had gained invaluable insights and experiences. Such competitions are not merely academic exercises. They serve as a crucial platform for practical learning, networking, and personal growth. For anyone aspiring to make a mark in the supply chain industry, participating in these competitions offers a unique opportunity to challenge oneself and grow.

In conclusion, this victory at the TCU Supply Chain Case Competition is a cherished memory and a significant achievement in my academic and professional careers. It reflects the culmination of hard work, ingenuity, and teamwork. To anyone contemplating participating in such competitions, my advice is simple: Embrace the challenge, trust in your abilities, and let your passion drive you towards excellence. Who knows? The next victory could be yours!

by Sajal Dixit, MBA ’24

How to Deal with Nerves Before a Presentation

Stop telling yourself to calm down..

Posted February 26, 2019

There are a lot of situations that produce anxiety , but giving a presentation is quite possibly the most nerve-wracking of the professional workplace. it could be a presentation in a small meeting, or a pitch to the board, or an address to the whole company or a keynote speech at a conference. Whatever it is, standing in front of others and hoping you don’t forget your lines…or say them wrong…is a recipe for a high level of anxiety.

I get asked about nerves often because, well, most of my job is giving speeches . So, inevitably while I’m waiting backstage someone will ask, “Are you nervous? Do you still get nervous?” Or some variation of that question. And I reply the exact same thing every time.

I say no: I’m excited.

It’s not boastful; it’s actually me trying to hack my own psychology. Sure I get butterflies in my stomach, but I learned how to reframe them. A recent study by Alison Woods Burns of the Harvard Business School that looked at anxiety-producing situations and the best strategies to deal with them. Burns divided study participants into two groups and then exposed them to an anxiety-producing situation. She used a range of different situations, from singing karaoke to giving a presentation.

To the first group, she asked them to repeat the affirmation “I am calm” to try and soothe the participants' anxiety. She gave an affirmation to the second group, but it was very different: I am excited.

When she checked in after the fact, the “I am excited” group dramatically outperformed the “I am calm” group. They appeared to have a better experience. They actually felt like some of their anxiety lifted. And they gave a better presentation or sung better karaoke.

The theory behind why this works is that when you’re nervous, you feel a certain way. There are butterflies in your stomach. There’s a little shake to your hands. And if you try and calm yourself or lie to yourself and say you are calm, it's obvious that the affirmation doesn’t match your feelings. But nervousness and excitement feel very similar: Same butterflies. Same shake. Just a different way of understanding what your body is feeling. So you can re-frame the same sensation not as anxiety but as excitement. Excitement to get your message out into the world.

To push it even further, let’s be frank: If you knew you were going to give a terrible presentation then you wouldn’t be feeling nervousness, anyway. You’d be feeling dread. So the fact that you’re feeling nervousness means that there is a potential positive outcome. And that positive outcome is what you should focus on.

You’re not nervous that you won’t get that positive outcome, you’re excited because you can.

David Burkus is an assistant professor of management at the College of Business at Oral Roberts University.

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2024 Augusta National Women’s Amateur | Saturday Updates

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Lottie Woad of England , a sophomore at Florida State University, is the 2024 Augusta National Women’s Amateur champion.

“It’s pretty cool. I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet,” Woad said in her news conference after the tournament. “I finished my round not that long ago, so I’m still kind of getting back in the moment here.

Yeah, it’s just really cool to be standing in the same place as the Masters champions have stood and just following in their footsteps a little bit.”

Woad (-8), a first team All-American, birdied three of the final four holes on Saturday, including No. 18, to avoid a playoff and win by a stroke over Southern Cal freshman Bailey Shoemaker, who shot the lowest final round score in ANWA history with 66 to charge up the leaderboard.

“I’m obviously disappointed, but at the end of the day, I played about as good as I could have,” Shoemaker said of her runner-up finish. “Maybe a couple of putts could have dropped. But I made just about everything too. It is what it is.

(The Augusta National Women’s Amateur) is one of the majors in women’s golf, even though it’s not a pro event,” said Shoemaker, who also finished runner-up in the 2018 Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at Augusta National . “It’s such an opportunity to inspire somebody and have people watch you and maybe make somebody play golf or make somebody just be like, heck, maybe I can do that.”

Also moving up the leaderboard during Saturday’s final round was LSU’s Ingrid Lindblad of Sweden , the top-ranked amateur in women’s golf. Lindblad (-4) shot a final round 69 to finish four behind Woad in what is likely her final ANWA appearance.

“I feel every time I come in here, I just have a smile on my face,” Lindblad said. “It doesn’t matter how it goes. You’re happy to be here. It’s such an amazing experience and a test for your golf game for sure.”

15 year-old Asterisk Talley (-1), a two-time Drive, Chip and Putt National Finalist at Augusta National and two weeks removed from winning the Sage Valley Junior Invitational in nearby Graniteville, South Carolina, shot 70 to record a top ten finish.

“It was definitely euphoric,” Talley said. “I was so happy. Like I hit a good drive so I was happy, but I feel like going off the 1st tee, I didn’t have a lot of nerves, which surprised me because it’s the 1st tee at Augusta. But I didn’t have a lot of nerves, and then I hit a good drive.

So I was just like happy to be there, and I was just taking it all in.”

Two University of South Carolina golfers and one future Gamecock competed in Saturday’s final round.

Junior Hannah Darling of Scotland, shot 72 Saturday to finish the tournament as one of only seven golfers under par at -1. During Wednesday’s first round at Champions Retreat Golf Club in nearby Evans, Georgia, Darling matched the lowest opening round score in tournament history with a 66 to hold the overnight lead.

“I had a lot of fun firstly,” Darling said of her final round. “I would love to go back out there and do it all over again. Today was a great day.

I feel like I played a lot better than my score. Obviously I just shot level-par, but I played a lot better than that, I feel like. I just had a few putts that just didn’t drop.”

Darling’s Gamecock teammate Louise Rydqvist, making her ANWA debut, shot a final round 78 to finish five-over-par for the tournament and hopes for another chance next year.

“It has meant the world to me to be out here this week,” Rydqvist said. “We’ve had so much fun on and off the golf course. This event is so well run, and I cannot wait, and I really hope that I’ll be back next year.”

South Carolina golf commitment Eila Galitsky (+1), of Thailand, earned a top-ten finish with a final round 74 in her second ANWA appearance.

“(I know) that I can definitely compete in this tournament,” Galitsky said. “I have to just take the experiences I got this week, go back and prove myself and come back again next year and hopefully do better.”

Sunday the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals take place at Augusta National Golf Club before early arriving Masters participants begin their preparation at the Tournament Practice Area.

For the final Augusta National Women’s Amateur leaderboard, click here .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.

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