Conquering Presentations By: Janaya Buckley

As the spring semester of 2026 draws to a close, it is certain some students will receive a project that they either must present individually, or part of a group. 

Though this is definitely easier said than done, as more than half of the total population struggles with public speaking. Be that as it may, there are ways to make the experience easier on the presenter.

The first step to overcoming anxiety is preparation. Being prepared for something rather than doing it at the last minute can give students a sense of purpose and passion, rather than it being another school project. Procrastination can kill any passion one might have for such a project. 

However, if genuine effort is put into the project,then presenting it can turn out to be easier than one might expect. Practice giving your presentation to a small group of people, or even to yourself. Going over a project can also help limit making mistakes, which is a fear that often accompanies presentation anxiety. Simply being prepared gives students a sense of what is to come, rather than the fear of the unexpected. 

Next is physical exercises. Focusing on timed breathing and stretching can help calm the mind. Self-soothing grounding techniques such as raising one’s arms over their head helps relax an individual by soothing tight muscles and opening up the ribcage for deeper, more focused breathing. Basic breathing movements such as inhaling for four seconds, holding for seven and exhaling for eight may help individuals ebb anxiety daily. 

Sometimes being prepared and doing physical exercises is not enough for certain individuals, as their symptoms may be too severe no matter what remedies they try. If this is the case, there should be no shame in asking for help. Professional counselling may be needed from time to time. This pathway may lead to medication to reduce anxiety, or if simply talking about issues helps then that option is open as well. Hardin-Simmons University offers many of these services to students on campus.

There is nothing wrong with being anxious before a presentation. It is normal and even expected to have a twinge of nervousness before speaking in front of a crowd, no matter how big or small. But suffering through it is not the only option someone has, it is important for someone to best understand how to manage their anxieties and work thoroughly through it.