How to: Not Get Nervous Before your Presentation.

It is easy to dread presentations and build up the fear of doing the presentation in your mind which does nothing but makes you more nervous. Once it starts, it builds. Sound familiar? Well here are some tips to help you avoid those last-minute nerves:

01. Avoid Rehearsing your Presentation

If you have prepared for your presentation, there is no need to do last-minute cramming. Don’t rehearse your presentation in the last hour. Give yourself a break, relax and calm your nerves.

02. Get there Early

Give yourself plenty of time to get there. Don’t rush. Arrive 20 minutes early. This gives you time to calm down, get ready, go to the bathroom and grab some water etc.

03. Network

Before you do your presentation, do some networking. Introduce yourself and chat with the hosts and any other speakers. Chat and mingle with your audience. Get comfortable with the other people in the room so that you are more relaxed.

04. Have a Plan B.

Avoid overthinking and being dramatic about all the things that could go wrong. Instead, have a plan B and be prepared. Have a copy of your presentation with you, both hard copy and on a flash drive. Know in advance how you would do your presentation if the technology failed or if one of your worst-case scenarios happened.

05. Do Something Silly

Listen to empowering music, yell out your mantra in the bathroom, strike a power pose, shake out your arms and legs. All of this helps get rid of any nervous and negative energy and feel more empowered.