LibGuides: Guide to presentations: Dealing with presentation nerves

Presentation stress busting ideas

Dealing with nerves

If you get stage fright or feel nervous giving presentations, you’re not alone, as it’s estimated that almost 75% of the population has some form of anxiety regarding public speaking. These are some strategies aimed to help reduce panic:

Start early. This will give you enough time to prepare and practise the presentation.
Practise. This helps to iron out issues and familiarise yourself with the material.
Get some positive feedback, as this will improve your confidence.
Flashcards can provide a scaffold for the entire presentation. They can help to remind you of key points.
A backup plan can help to deal the worst-case scenario, for instance, with technology or absence. The worst is unlikely to happen, but it’s a good idea to have planned for it just in case.
Try practising some relaxation techniques, particularly in the days leading up to the presentation.

Taking care of your wellbeing is very important.

Presentations are a necessary part of the learning process but can often bring with them extra stress and anxiety.

The University's Wellbeing Services offer a number of tools and techniques to help you look after yourself throughout the academic year. Here are some of those ideas:

Books and eBooks	Reading can be a great form of self-care, and the Wellbeing Service have compiled a list of a wide range of books on various mental health topics.
Workbooks	Wellbeing have developed workbooks that look at common issues which may arise during students' time at University, including overcoming exam stress, anxiety and procrastination.
Webinars	Wellbeing offers webinars that you can attend or watch from home via your laptop or PC. Take a look at What is presentation anxiety?, What keeps anxiety going? and Avoidance and anxiety.
Audio	Practice relaxation and mindfulness self-help by listening to some audio relaxation techniques.
Apps	Wellbeing recommends a number of free wellbeing apps available for your mobile phone which allow you to access support for your mental health easily and discreetly.
Websites	There are many popular self-help websites that can help you manage difficult feelings (like stress) at home and at your own pace.