Career Blog: Nerves
Heart beating, hands shaking, forehead sweating? Does this sound like you before you have to make a big presentation or attend an interview? These physical symptoms are triggered by the nervous system which pumps increased levels of adrenaline into the blood just before speaking.
So how can you make sure you don’t let your nerves get the best of you?
Use body language to appear more confident – make a conscious effort to smile. Relax your arms. Remember to look people in the eye and keep your posture comfortable.
Remember to breath – take a slow, deep breath to relax yourself, if you are feeling tense. This will also help slow your speech.
Have something to hang on to – try holding a note book in an interview or standing behind a podium during your presentation. These are physical things you can do to have a sense of security. Naturally the body will start to calm.
Practice, practice, practice! – the more you feel prepared, the faster your nerves will leave you. Knowing your material well will help you appear more confident too.
Make small talk with those around you – before you go on stage, strike up a conversation with someone close by. It will take your mind off the jitters and will ease you into presenting. If you are in an interview, make small talk with the panel before the formal interview questions begin.
First impressions are important. It is thought that opinions are formed within 5-15 seconds of any first meeting or presentation. If you find yourself letting your nerves get the best of you, try some of these tips and consider registering for The Art of Presentations workshop offered through the Centre for Continuing Education. If you’re nervous about interviewing, schedule a 1:1 meeting with Employee Career Services.