Nerves are normal. Even the most experienced speakers feel them. It’s your body’s way of preparing you for something important. But nerves don’t have to control you. With the right tools, you can channel that energy and walk into your talk with focus and clarity.

The first thing is to breathe. Proper breathing grounds you. It slows your heart rate and helps you stay calm. Before you speak, take a few steady breaths in through your nose, and out through your mouth. Keep it slow and even. This tells your body you’re safe.

Next, reframe the nerves. Instead of thinking of them as fear, try to see them as excitement. The same adrenaline rush that makes you anxious is the one that sharpens your mind and gives you presence. Tell yourself it’s your body getting ready to perform.

Preparation also plays a huge role. The more prepared you are, the more secure you’ll feel. That means knowing your message, not just memorising your lines. If you understand your core points and know where you're going, you’ll feel more confident even if you get thrown a curveball.

Finally, focus on the audience, not yourself. Nervous speakers often go inward, worrying about how they look or sound. Shift your attention outward. Think about the people in front of you. What do they need? What will help them? That simple shift makes a huge difference.

At Presenter Studio, we work with clients to turn nerves into confidence. Public speaking doesn’t have to be scary – it can be a space where you shine. Learn how in our full course at https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training