How Do I Not Appear So Nervous?

Question

I have to present a powerpoint to my class tomorrow. The class is huge and I am extremely self conscious. I presented to another class last week and was extremely nervous, and it showed. Is there anything I can do to calm down about tomorrow and not appear so nervous?

Answer 1

Social phobia. I've got it too. Here's what I've learned that helps.

1) It's tough to think about having to present something in front of people, because it makes you nervous just to think of it. And if you're nervous beforehand, it's only going to make your nerves during the fact even worse. So stop thinking about it. Instead, think about what immediately follows the presentation. You're going to sit down and everything will be over with. Life will be good again. You might go out to eat that night to celebrate. Concentrate on that, it helps put it in perspective.

2) When you are nervous, it shows. Sorry, that's just the way it works. So the trick isn't to try and not be nervous. The trick is to not care that you're nervous. Yea I know that's easier said than done, but if you can convince yourself that you don't care if you're nervous, you won't *be* nervous. And hell even if you were nervous, and it showed, you won't care! Strangely I've found that looking around the room before hand and saying things in my head like "I don't give a f**** what any of these people think" over and over in my head, it helps.

3) Know your material. You'll make things much worse if you add ignorance on top of stage fright. Be the expert on what you're presenting. If you know it so well that your knowledge exceeds anyone else, then you are the teacher, and they are your students. Being a teacher in front of students is much less conducive to nerves than being a student in front of other students, or worse, a student in front of teachers.

There's always the "picture everyone in their underwear" advice, but that's just another form of my advice #2. Because if everyone is in their underwear, why should you care what they think of you? They're idiots who wore their skivvies to class.

I hope that helps. Cheers.

Answer 2

How do you know it showed? You're just being paranoid, that's all. Your self perception is not actually how you are percieved -- just think of any other speaker you've ever seen in your entire lifetime -- can you really say it sticks out in your mind how utterly unbelievably nervous the presenter was? Plus, if you really need to, it's powerpoint, just stare at the screen and avoid eye contact.

Answer 3

Be prepared for anything. Rehearse, at least twice in front of friends, neighbors, or the dog. If you can use the equipment to make a run through, do that. Get plenty of sleep. Think, it will be over soon and say to yourself, as many times as you want to, "What the 521311?" One stinking moment can steal your peace. Why let it?

Answer 4

Try practicing a few times, before a small audience like your family or friends, or even in front of a mirror. If you feel comfortable with your presentation, you will feel more comfortable when you give it.

Answer 5

If you trust the presentation, and you trust they will love the idea, it will all be ok. Think that many people there listening to you may actually admire you, it makes you somebody important

Answer 6

Be sure that you are prepared. Also, try to open up with a little humor if you can; it should put you more at ease. Realize that people want you to succeed. You may want to pray, too!

Good luck!

Answer 7

Look at only a few people in the front row and ignore everyone else... forget they are there.

Answer 8

Breath
Take your own time
Know yourself
Have something nice to say
Let them see you victorious