Turn Nerves Into Your Superpower
I was halfway through an executive committee presentation when it happened, completely out of the blue.
My mouth went dry, my heart started racing, and I could feel panic creeping in. For a moment, I wondered if I would make it through. I somehow finished, but it was a humbling experience.
This was unusual for me; I had always loved presenting. But that day reminded me that no amount of experience completely silences the butterflies.
A month later, I was back in front of a much larger audience, several hundred people at a public board meeting. And I delivered. One board member even took me aside afterward and said I should consider running for office because of how I made the audience feel.
The difference? I practiced and I emotionally connected with my material.
Embrace the Nerves
It is completely normal to feel anxious before a presentation. Everyone experiences it. Some brag about how confident they are, others nervously check in with fellow presenters, some buzz around restlessly, and others sit quietly with their thoughts. Whether you are a CEO or a student, your heart races, your breathing quickens, and your body prepares for the spotlight.
One of the best pieces of advice I ever received came from a theatre director during my university days. Just before I stepped on stage, he told me:
“Everyone gets nervous before a performance. Your job is to accept that as a normal human reaction and use that energy to improve your performance.”
Five Ways to Channel Anxiety Into Confidence
Watch the pros.
Before any big presentation, I head to YouTube and watch great public speakers, from TED Talk hosts to CEOs to political figures, at different stages of their careers. You can learn a lot from how they evolve: their pacing, tone, and even how they handle mistakes with grace.
Practice, but stay emotionally present.
Rehearse until you are comfortable, but not so much that you lose connection to your words. Authenticity matters more than perfection. Breathe, pause, smile, make eye contact, and remind yourself why you are there: to inform, inspire, and connect.
The power of visualization.
Before any presentation, I now take a few quiet moments to picture myself walking to the front of the room, greeting the audience, speaking with calm confidence, and finishing strong. That mental rehearsal primes your mind and body for success. When you visualize positive outcomes, you are not just hoping it goes well, you are training your brain to believe it will.
Engage your audience.
Turn your presentation into a dialogue, not a monologue. Ask questions, read the room, and adjust your tone or pace based on how the audience responds. Great presenters listen not just deliver.
Know when to stop talking.
We have all been there. Trapped in a never-ending presentation where the speaker fell in love with their own words. Try not to be that person. Watch for cues: shifting in seats, glances at watches, phones appearing. When you sense it is time to wrap up, wrap up. Or shift focus back to your audience by mentioning their names, acknowledge their insights, and bring them back into the experience.
Seek feedback.
Record yourself or ask for honest feedback after your presentation. What worked? What needs improvement? Each talk is an opportunity to grow. The more you present, the more natural, and enjoyable it becomes.
The Game Changer
The game changer for me was shifting my mindset. I started focusing less on myself and more on the audience; on what they were gaining by giving their time and attention. That became my new barometer for success.
Public speaking is never about flawless delivery; it is about honest connection. When your audience feels your authenticity, they stop listening to you and start listening with you.