Speaking: Public Speaking & Presentations B2 - Lesson 5: Managing Nerves & Speaking Confidently
Welcome to our final lesson! If the thought of public speaking makes you nervous, you are not alone. It's one of the most common fears in the world. The goal is not to eliminate nerves1, but to learn how to manage2 them. True confidence doesn't come from being fearless; it comes from being well-prepared and having strategies to control your nervous energy.
Before the Presentation: The Power of Preparation
The number one cure for speaking anxiety is preparation. The more prepared you are, the more confident you will feel.
- 1. Know Your Content, Not Just Your Words
- Practice your presentation out loud multiple times. However, do not memorize it word-for-word. Instead, focus on memorizing the sequence of your ideas and key points. This allows you to speak more naturally and prevents panic if you forget a specific word.
- 2. Visualize3 Success
- In the days before your talk, take a few minutes to close your eyes and imagine yourself giving a fantastic presentation. Picture the audience smiling, nodding, and applauding at the end. This mental rehearsal builds a positive mindset.
- 3. Prepare Your Body
- Get a good night's sleep before your presentation. On the day, avoid too much caffeine, which can increase anxiety. Arrive at the location early to get comfortable with the room and your equipment.
During the Presentation: Techniques for Staying Calm
When you are on stage, use these techniques to stay in control.
- Breathing is Your Anchor: Just before you begin, take a slow, deep breath. If you feel nervous during the talk, pause for a moment and take another. Deep breathing is scientifically proven to calm your nervous system.
- Find a Friendly Face: Scan the audience and find someone who is smiling or looks interested. Make eye contact with them for a few seconds. Their positive energy will make you feel more comfortable. Then, find another friendly face in a different part of the room.
- Embrace the Pause: Don't be afraid of silence. A deliberate pause before an important point can make you seem more thoughtful and confident. It also gives you a moment to collect your thoughts.
- Use Confident Body Language: Stand up straight with your shoulders back and plant your feet firmly. Good posture can actually trick your brain into feeling more confident4.
Scenario: An Internal Monologue
Let's listen to the thoughts of a presenter, Rina, in the moments before she begins her talk. This is how she manages her nerves.
(Standing backstage)
"Okay, my heart is pounding. That's just adrenaline. It's not fear, it's energy. That's normal. I've practiced this ten times. I know my introduction. I know my three key points. I'm ready."
(Takes one slow, deep breath)
"Right. Time to go."
(Walks to the front of the room)
"Stand up straight. Shoulders back. Okay, look around the room... find a friendly face. Ah, that woman in the second row is smiling. I'll start by looking at her. Okay. Let's begin."
(Takes one more small breath and starts her speech with a smile)
"Good morning, everyone..."
What If I Make a Mistake?
Remember: The audience wants you to succeed! They will forgive small mistakes. No one is expecting perfection.
- If you forget a word: Don't panic. Pause, take a breath, and simply describe the idea using other words (paraphrase). The audience will probably not even notice.
- If you lose your place: It's okay. Look down at your notes to find your position. You can say, "Let me just repeat my last point..." or "So, as I was saying..." to get back on track smoothly.
- The 90% Rule: You will feel your nervousness about 90% more than the audience will see it. You might feel like you are shaking, but the audience probably just sees a normal presenter. Trust that you look more confident than you feel!
Practice Quiz: Best Strategy Check
Read the situation and choose the best strategy.
1. What is the most effective way to practice a presentation to reduce anxiety?
A) Memorize every word so you can't possibly make a mistake.
B) Practice out loud several times, focusing on knowing your ideas and structure, not a perfect script.
C) Write down everything you want to say and read it during the presentation.
→ Answer: B. Knowing your ideas gives you flexibility and confidence, while memorizing a script can lead to panic if you forget a single word.
2. You are in the middle of your presentation and you feel your voice starting to shake and your heart beating fast. What is the best immediate action?
A) Speak much faster to finish the presentation as quickly as possible.
B) Apologize to the audience for being nervous.
C) Pause, take a sip of water, and take one slow, deep breath before continuing.
→ Answer: C. A deliberate pause and a deep breath is a powerful and professional way to calm your physical nervous system and regain control.
Your Mission: Develop Your Confidence Ritual
Your mission is to create a personal routine to manage nerves for your next presentation.
- Part 1 (The Rehearsal): For your next talk, don't just practice the words. Practice the whole performance. Practice walking to the front, practice your opening sentence with a confident posture, and practice your gestures.
- Part 2 (The 5 Minutes Before): Before you are due to speak, find a quiet space (even a bathroom stall works!). Do 3-5 slow, deep breaths. Close your eyes and **visualize** the audience clapping at the end. Tell yourself, "I am prepared. I can do this."
- Part 3 (The First 30 Seconds): As you walk up, focus on your posture. Before you say anything, take a moment, smile, find one friendly face, and then begin.
- Turning these actions into a consistent ritual will give you a powerful tool to manage nerves and build genuine confidence over time.
Vocabulary Glossary
- Nerves / Anxiety: (Noun) - ការថប់បារម្ភ - The feeling of being worried, nervous, or uneasy, especially about an imminent event. ↩
- To Manage: (Verb) - គ្រប់គ្រង - To succeed in dealing with or controlling a difficult situation or feeling. ↩
- To Visualize: (Verb) - ស្រមៃ - To form a mental image of something; to imagine. ↩
- Confident: (Adjective) - មានទំនុកចិត្ត - Feeling or showing certainty about oneself; self-assured. ↩
- Momentum: (Noun) - សន្ទុះ - The force that keeps an object moving or an event developing after it has started. ↩