Anxiety About Work Presentations

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Presentation anxiety (glossophobia) - intense fear of speaking in front of a group, even colleagues you know well.

Why It Happens

Standing in front of a group activates your brain's threat system: you are exposed, outnumbered, and being evaluated. Your body responds as if you are facing a predator, not a PowerPoint audience.

Coping Techniques

1Prepare more than you think you need to - anxiety fills the gaps of uncertainty.
2Practice out loud at least 3 times, not just in your head.
3Before presenting, press your feet into the floor and breathe slowly for 60 seconds.
4Focus on one friendly face in the audience, not the room.

Gradual Exposure Steps

1.Practice presenting to yourself in a mirror.
2.Present to one trusted colleague and ask for feedback.
3.Present to a small, familiar group.
4.Volunteer for a low-stakes presentation to build confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I shake when presenting?

Adrenaline causes trembling. Your body is in fight-or-flight mode. The shaking is usually far less visible to others than it feels to you.

How do I stop my voice from shaking during a presentation?

Speak slightly slower than normal, project from your diaphragm, and pause between points. Pauses feel long to you but sound confident to the audience.

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