Every college student has probably come across some sort of presentation in High School and while most of us hate it, there are some of us out there that may enjoy it.  This is why you’ll find some people going into some sort of presentation career.  Even those that make it a career still get butterflies but how can you make yourself not get nervous?

Don’t worry, it’s natural!

There are many things that you can do out there but it’s a part of the human body, we are going to get nervous when you perform in front of other people.  Sure, you’ve probably heard the old saying of “picture everyone in their underwear” but does that really work?  For me, no but others it does.  You have to find something that makes you feel better.  For me, I always feel better when I get up there and I’m about 30 seconds into my speech.

What are people going to do to you?

This is what I don’t get about speeches and why people get nervous.  When someone goes up to present, what is the crowd going to do you?  Kill you?  I don’t think anything bad is going to happen.  You have to think of yourself when you’re watching someone else.  Half the time, we are daydreaming or don’t even care.  Once the speech is over, we tend to forget about it ten seconds later unless it was something amazing. 

Always be prepared for your speech

If you’re not prepared to speak, this is just going to make things worse.  This is why it’s important for you to prepare a week or so ahead of time.  Try to remember many main points and if you can use note cards, tend to write points down rather than word for word.  This will make it easier for you to speak.

You need to be positive

I can’t force this enough when it comes to thinking.  Whenever you think positive or negative, you’re going to take that direction.  If you think that you’re going to do bad and you’re going to fail, well guess what?  You’re going to go down that path because that’s what you’re going to think.  You need to go up there with a smile on your face and know that you’ll succeed.  People that think negative 24/7 will never get anywhere in this world.  Stop downplaying yourself because no one feels sorry for you.

Be easy on yourself – take a deep breath

Before you go up and give your presentation, try and relax.  Think of things that make you easy rather than stressed out.  Think of how this speech is going to benefit your grade and the class.  The easier you are on yourself, the better it is on your nerves.

There is only so much you can do when it comes to giving a speech.  As I recommended above, everyone is going to be different.  I say take things easy, who cares what others think and hey, what’s the worst thats going to happen?