Feeling Nervous Before You Speak? Here’s How to Stay Calm and Sound More Confident

We’ve all been there: your heart races, your palms start sweating, and your mind suddenly feels like it’s gone blank right before you have to speak. Maybe it’s a big presentation at work, pitching an idea to a client, or simply introducing yourself to a group. Those nerves creep in fast and can make you feel completely out of control. The truth is, nerves are normal - but they don’t have to run the show. With a few simple techniques, you can calm your body, focus your mind, and come across as more confident when it really counts.

1. Breathe before you speak

When anxiety kicks in, our breathing turns shallow and quick, which only makes us feel more panicked. Slowing your breath helps calm your whole system and gives your voice more strength. A simple exercise: breathe in for four counts, hold for four, then breathe out for six. Repeat this a few times before you start speaking. It’s like hitting reset on your nerves.

2. Shift your focus

Nerves grow when we focus on ourselves - how we look, how we sound, or whether we’ll make a mistake. Instead, put your attention on your audience. Ask yourself: What do they need from me? How can I help them? 

When your energy goes into serving others rather than monitoring yourself, you feel less self-conscious and more purposeful.

3. Ground your body

Nervous energy often shows up physically: fidgeting hands, shaky legs, tense shoulders. Try planting your feet firmly on the floor and standing tall. Relax your shoulders, drop your weight evenly, and let your body settle. This grounding not only helps you feel steadier but also signals confidence to the people listening.

4. Use your voice with intention

When we’re nervous, we tend to rush and cram words together. The result? We sound more anxious and our message gets lost. Instead, slow down. Use pauses. Let your words land before moving on. A calm pace makes you sound more confident and gives your audience time to absorb what you’re saying.

5. Practice in low-pressure situations

Confidence builds with repetition. Start small: practice with a trusted friend, a colleague, or even record yourself speaking. The more you do it, the less intimidating it feels. Each low-stakes practice makes the high-stakes moments much easier.

Nerves are normal, and with the right tools you can manage them and still show up with confidence. But learning these techniques in a supportive, practical setting can make all the difference.

That’s why I created the Superior Speaking Skills Workshop. In this workshop, you’ll practice simple but powerful strategies to calm your body, steady your voice, and communicate with clarity - even under pressure.

Ready to turn nerves into confidence? Book your place in the Superior Speaking Skills Workshop today.

Superior Speaking Skills Workshop

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Key takeaway: Nerves are part of being human, but they don’t have to control your performance. By focusing on steady breathing, grounding your body, shifting your mindset, and slowing your pace, you’ll find that you can stay calm and speak with much more confidence - even when the pressure is on.