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Essential Study Skills: Presentation Anxiety

Presentation Anxiety

It is common to feel nervous before a presentation. For some people, that nervousness can be overwhelming. This module will help you learn how to manage presentation anxiety.

Tips

  • Practice, practice, practice.a man thinking and practicing his speechThe better you know your presentation, the more confident you’ll feel.
  • Challenge unhelpful thoughts.a happy man and challenging negative thoughtsRecognize negative self-talk that doesn’t have evidence to support it and replace it with positive talk.
  • Don’t panic if you lose your place.a calm manTake a moment to breathe, focus, and find your spot. Your audience will be patient.
  • Ask for help.a man hanging from a large question markIf you feel overwhelmed by presentation anxiety, a counsellor could provide some strategies to help you master your nerves.

Study Tools

How to Manage Presentation Anxiety

Watch this video or read the strategies below to learn some techniques to help with presentation anxiety, so that you can deliver your presentation confidently.

Strategies to Help You Manage Presentation Anxiety

  • Prepare: Being well prepared will help you feel more confident about your presentation
  • Recognize negative self-talk like “I’m going to fail” or “I’m going to look stupid” Challenge these unhelpful thoughts.  Do you really have any evidence to support them? Try some positive self-talk instead, like “I can do it”  or “I’m well prepared”
  • Develop a “Relaxation Strategy” to use when you feel too anxious.
  • Practice. The better you know your presentation, the more confident you’ll feel. Practicing in front of a mirror or a webcam is best because you can see how you’re doing.
  • Focus on your Message. You might tell someone climbing a ladder “don’t look down”. What you’re telling them is to focus on the task, not on their nervousness. The same advice applies to presentations. As you present, focus on your content instead of concentrating on yourself.
  • Look confident even if you don’t feel that way. Smile and keep breathing, look at people’s foreheads not their eyes, and stand naturally.