It is natural to be nervous before a public appearance.  Every professional entertainer experiences some kind of “butterflies” before a performance.  The symptoms are usually a nervous stomach, perspiring, shifting eyes, death grip on chairs . . .

What can you do about it?

• Practice a few relaxation exercises before you go on – rolling your neck, swinging your arms, stretching.
• Take a deep breath, hold it for three-five seconds, let it out slowly.
• Stand naturally with your feet shoulder-width apart, your hands loose and relaxed.  Then shake your hands and arms, letting the vibration work itself into the rest of your body.
• Nervousness adds adrenaline to your system – it can make you sharper and quicker – use it.
• Think of nervousness as a way of ensuring that you are “up” for the presentation.
• The best way to combat nervousness is to come prepared for the situation by knowing your subject matter and the major points you need to make.