How to Overcome Presentation Nerves – Video

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Introduction: How to Reduce Presentation Nerves and Build Real Confidence

This video explains several practical ways to overcome presentation nerves, from shifting your focus to the audience to preparing properly and using simple relaxation techniques. You’ll hear different perspectives from experienced coaches, each offering tools that help you stay composed, confident and in control when it matters.

What you’ll learn: Practical Ways to Manage Presentation Nerves

• How shifting your focus to the audience reduces anxiety
• Why using the word “you” makes you feel more confident
• How good preparation stops nerves becoming overwhelming
• Why a strong opening helps you relax quickly
• How intent and clarity lower stress in high-pressure situations
• How relaxation techniques and practice work together to build confidence

Summary: Turning Nerves into Confidence Through Preparation and Focus

Presentation nerves affect almost everyone, even experienced speakers. The key is not to eliminate nerves entirely but to stop them taking over. One effective technique is to change the focus of your presentation by speaking more directly to the audience and using the word “you”. Others find that nerves settle once they’ve prepared properly — a strong opening often gives you a moment where you realise the audience is with you. Preparation is the best antidote: when you’re clear about what you want to say and why, uncertainty fades and confidence grows. Relaxation techniques and repeated practice can also help you centre yourself, manage physical tension and step onto the stage ready to deliver your best.

Mini FAQ: Managing Presentation Nerves

Can nerves ever be useful?
Yes. A small amount of adrenaline can sharpen your delivery. It only becomes a problem when it overwhelms you.

What’s the quickest trick to feel more confident?
Shift the focus to the audience. Speak to them directly and use “you” more often — it changes your mindset.

How does preparation reduce nerves?
When you know your message, your intent and your structure, you feel less uncertain about what’s coming.

Do relaxation techniques work?
Yes. Simple grounding, breathing and centring exercises can steady your nerves before you speak.

Transcript (edited)

Ben – Change the focus of your presentation

If you want to get rid of presentation nerves, it’s difficult because everyone is different and the reasons vary. One technique we use is to change the focus of the presentation. Start using the word “you” more — “let me tell you… let me explain to you…”. Shifting the focus to the audience helps you become a more confident presenter.

Jane – Nerves can be good, if you do your preparation

How do you overcome presentation nerves? I still get them, despite years of presenting. Nerves can be useful, but not when they become uncontrollable. Preparation makes the difference. If you’ve done the work, you won’t be a quivering wreck. A strong opening helps you relax. Once you feel the audience is with you, you can even reach the end and think, “I really enjoyed that.”

David – Good preparation is the best antidote

Presentation nerves can be debilitating. We’ve worked with people facing enormous pressure — live international TV, major investor presentations. Preparation is the best antidote. When you know exactly what you want to say and what your intent is, that focus removes a lot of the worry. People are usually nervous because they’re unsure how things will go. Don’t let that be you — prepare properly.

Paul – Use relaxation techniques and practise

Many people tell us they’re frightened of presenting. We have two things to help. First, practical techniques to help you relax and centre yourself so you can deliver your best. Second, practice — and we can help with that too. Combining proven techniques with proper rehearsal gives you the confidence you’ve always wanted when speaking in public.

Suggested Links

Practise your presentation with expert coaching

Reduce presentation nerves with practical techniques

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Use audience-focused language to feel more in control

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