Stage fright—it’s something most of us have experienced at one point or another. Whether it’s speaking in front of a packed boardroom or presenting at a big event, that heart-pounding, nerve-wracking feeling can sneak up on even the most seasoned professionals. But here’s the good news: you can overcome it. And with the right approach, you can transform that nervous energy into powerful, confident communication. Let’s explore some practical tips to help you manage stage fright and speak with confidence in any business setting.
1. Embrace the Nerves—Don’t Fight Them
The first thing to realise? Nerves are completely normal. Even the most experienced speakers get a bit nervous before taking the stage. The trick isn’t to eliminate those feelings—it’s to embrace them and channel that energy into your performance.
Tip: Reframe your nerves as excitement. Instead of thinking, “I’m so nervous,” tell yourself, “I’m excited to share my ideas.” This subtle shift in mind-set can help you harness that adrenaline and use it to energise your presentation.
Nerves are a sign that you care about what you’re doing—and that’s a good thing.
2. Prepare, Then Prepare Some More
Confidence comes from preparation. The more familiar you are with your material, the less room there is for fear to creep in. When you know your content inside and out, you’ll feel more in control and less likely to be thrown off by nerves.
Tip: Practice your presentation in front of a mirror, record yourself, or present to a trusted colleague for feedback. Rehearse in different environments, too, so you feel comfortable no matter where you’ll be speaking.
Preparation not only builds confidence, but it also gives you the flexibility to adapt if something unexpected happens during your presentation.
3. Focus on Your Audience, Not Yourself
Stage fright often comes from being too focused on ourselves—how we look, how we sound, what people are thinking. But the truth is, your audience isn’t there to judge you—they’re there to hear what you have to say. By shifting your focus to the value you’re providing, you’ll naturally feel more relaxed.
Tip: Before your presentation, take a moment to think about what your audience needs to hear. How can you help them? How will your message benefit them? Focusing on serving your audience takes the pressure off you and shifts your attention to delivering value.
When you focus on your audience, you become less self-conscious and more connected to the people you’re speaking to.
4. Breathe—It Makes All the Difference
When stage fright hits, your body’s fight-or-flight response kicks in, making it harder to breathe deeply. Shallow breathing only increases anxiety, so learning how to control your breath is crucial for calming your nerves.
Tip: Before stepping up to speak, take a few deep breaths. Inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a couple of seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. This helps slow your heart rate and calms your nerves.
During your presentation, don’t rush. Pause between key points and take a breath. Not only does it help you stay calm, but it also adds emphasis to what you’re saying.
5. Turn Mistakes Into Opportunities
Mistakes happen, even to the best of us. You might stumble over a word or lose your train of thought—but here’s the thing: it’s okay. What matters is how you handle it. Instead of seeing a mistake as a failure, view it as an opportunity to connect with your audience on a more human level.
Tip: If you make a mistake, don’t panic. Smile, take a breath, and move on. Your audience is far more forgiving than you think, and handling a slip-up with grace shows them that you’re confident and in control.
Remember, your audience doesn’t expect perfection—they just want to hear your message. How you recover from a mistake can be just as powerful as the rest of your presentation.
Stage fright is a natural part of public speaking, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. With preparation, the right mindset, and a focus on your audience, you can turn that nervous energy into confident, impactful communication. At The Actor Rebellion, we’re here to help you develop the skills to speak with confidence in any setting. Our Public Speaking Workshops are designed to support you on your journey, providing practical tools and expert guidance to help you shine. Get in touch with us today and let’s conquer those nerves together.