7 tips to overcome presentation anxiety
Challenging! You have a presentation coming up soon and you’re not exactly looking forward to it. In fact, you break out in a nervous sweat at just hearing the word “presenting.”
1. Preparation is key
Everything starts with solid preparation. Create a clear structure for what you want to say: beginning, middle, and end. Fully immerse yourself in the topic—and make sure you start in time! That way, you avoid unnecessary stress.
2. Start with a strong opener
Giving energy means receiving energy! If you begin with an engaging opener—such as a fun fact, an interesting question, a video, or a quote—you immediately capture your audience’s attention. This also helps your audience feel more relaxed from the start.
3. Use a presentation tool to support your story
There are plenty of presentation tools that can support your story. It’s up to you to choose the one that suits you best. We won’t hide it—at Xiwa, we’re big fans of PowerPoint. Did you know PowerPoint has a “Presenter View”? It allows you to see extra notes, timing, and the next slide on your own screen, while your presentation is being projected to the audience.
4. Use cue cards
Cue cards provide support—literally and figuratively! Cards with keywords help prevent blackouts. A presentation isn’t a reading session, so it’s important to write down key words rather than full sentences. Otherwise, you’ll be tempted to read. They also give you something to hold on to. When we’re nervous, we tend to fidget—holding cue cards helps reduce that urge.
5. Practise for a familiar audience
In addition to preparing well, try to rehearse your presentation several times. Start on your own, then practise in front of a familiar audience. Mistakes are still allowed—and they might notice things you hadn’t thought of.
6. Try to speak calmly
Speaking calmly makes you feel calmer. It gives you more time to think about your next sentence and makes you come across as more professional. It also helps your audience process what you’re saying. So don’t be a high-speed train—be more like a boat calmly gliding across the water.
7. You are the expert
Remember: you are the expert! Thanks to your preparation, you’ve fully immersed yourself in the topic. People are there to learn from you. So don’t doubt yourself—just go for it!