10 Tips to Help You Present Like a Pro—Even If You’re Nervous Inside

What’s the best way to control your nerves when you have to give a presentation? 

Key takeaways: To deliver a confident presentation, focus on

• thorough preparation
• a strong opening
• connecting with your audience rather than your own nerves. 

If you’re like most people, the thought of giving a presentation is terrifying. All those eyes on you. All those opportunities to embarrass yourself! Here are ten practical tips to help you get over your reluctance and learn to actually enjoy public speaking. Each tip is designed to help you become a good public speaker, build your expertise, and make a positive impact on your career and personal growth. Being able to present your ideas clearly can positively impact your career and open up new opportunities.

1. Be prepared. Really prepared. Go over your message until you internalize it. You don’t need to memorize it, but you should know it so well you don’t need to rely on your speaking notes. I find it especially helpful to know my transitions from one idea to the next. 
    
2. Don’t memorize your whole talk but do memorize your opening. The first couple of sentences are the most important and it’s so great to not have to think about them. Craft an opening that will engage your audience immediately and take the time to memorize it. A strong beginning helps capture the audience's attention and sets the tone for the rest of the presentation.
    
3. Focus on your message and your audience instead of yourself. I rarely feel nervous when I speak, and it’s because I always believe it’s vitally important for my audience to hear my message. I know it will change their lives for the better. I am only the messenger and not nearly as important as the message. Therefore, in my mind, no one is paying attention to me. Instead, they are hearing what I have to say. Connecting with audiences and sharing your personality or a personal story can make your message more memorable.
    
4. Keep a glass of water nearby. I remember the first time I spoke publicly. It was on a panel at an academic conference. I was prepared and didn’t feel nervous, yet much to my surprise and chagrin, my mouth went super dry. It must’ve been painful for the audience to listen to because some kind person ran to get me a glass of water. Be aware of and minimize your nervous gestures, like fidgeting or pacing, to help you appear more confident and professional.
    
5. Don’t fight it. Embrace your nervousness and let it work for you. Channel your nervous excitement into concentration and expressiveness. Show your passion. Letting authentic moments happen adds a personal touch, can boost your confidence and helps you feel confident and connected with your audience.
    
6. Avoid a data dump—resist overloading your audience with too much information. Instead, focus on creating engaging presentations using visuals and stories. Use a simple outline to serve as a guide during your speech, helping you stay on track and cover your main points.
    
7. Practice your speeches with a friend to get feedback. This can not only reduce your fear but also help you improve your delivery. It’s also helpful to watch videos of great speakers or watch TED Talks to identify effective techniques and help you improve your own skills. Talking to your audience in a conversational way can make you a good public speaker. 
    
8. Use slides as visual aids, making sure they support your message and don’t become a data dump. Be mindful of your word choice and try to avoid filler words, but don’t obsess over word count or perfection.
    
9. Invite questions or answer questions either during or at the end of your presentation to engage the audience and clarify key points. Discussing your topic with the audience and being open to answer questions can help you explain your ideas more clearly.
    
10. Decide on your main message and what you want to achieve before you begin—this is crucial for a successful presentation. 

Developing expertise in your subject matter builds credibility. Practicing and getting feedback from a friend or colleague can help you improve. The importance of public speaking skills extends to both personal and professional growth. 

Want to learn more? Check out our flagship Presenting to Groups course. 

Jody Bruner is the president of Wavelength, which has been providing communication skills courses to business professionals for over 50 years. 

Effective communication is at the heart of every great presentation. Whether you’re speaking to a small group or a packed auditorium, your ability to convey your message clearly and confidently can make all the difference. Developing strong public speaking skills means paying attention not just to what you say, but how you say it—through your words, tone, and body language. Making eye contact, using purposeful gestures, and incorporating visual aids are all public speaking tips that can help you connect with your audience and keep their attention. Practicing your speech and focusing on your communication skills will help you deliver your message with confidence and clarity. Remember, effective communication is a skill you can develop with time and effort, and it’s the key to delivering presentations that truly resonate.