Remember the point of the speech or presentation. You’re there to serve the audience and provide valuable information. It’s not about you.

I was once working with a CEO who was raising money for his company and would get extremely nervous when presenting to potential sources of capital. I worked with him, and the first time he practiced, he stopped midway through due to nerves. I redirected his focus to the message; he wholeheartedly believes in the viability of his company. Once the focus shifted from him to his company’s story, his nervousness fell away. His confidence increased ten-fold, according to him. He went on to tell the story of his company and receive funding.

Focusing on your story takes the pressure off of you.