Study guide University of Bern

Giving a presentation

Many people associate public speaking with unpleasant feelings or even experiences, and many of us suffer from stress when preparing for a presentation. Nerves are a natural part of the process. Your audience knows this too – often from their own experience. As the speaker, you will also notice your nerves to a far greater degree than your audience. Usually, your nerves will subside within the first few minutes of the presentation, making it easier for you to concentrate on the matter at hand.

One of the best ways to manage your nerves is to practice: if your presentation is on a fixed topic, we recommend that you test it out on someone before the real thing – ideally the whole presentation, but at least the introduction at a minimum. Your listener doesn't necessarily have to be an expert in the field. Their task is mainly to observe your presentation skills and give you feedback.

See more videos and read more here (in German) to discover even more strategies for overcoming your nerves and gaining confidence: