For the life of me...I don’t know what it is but I get panic attacks when I know I have to do a presentation for work...it always does! Also, lately when I know a work meeting is coming up...never got them before but a lot more common lately. It’s strange that job interviews I’m totally fine with but presentations etc. are so much of a struggle.
The basics are preparing, making sure to get there early and set up so everything works, your fly is done up etc..... Prep work.
In terms of presentation skills, IMO, it's something someone has naturally. I've rarely seen anyone who is nervous suddenly turn into a great charasmatic leader in front of 100 people.
That's not a knock on you. I'm not the best presenter either, but it's something you got to accept. Then there are some people who are great in front of an audience and people love them. Someone can know nothing about rocket science, and be forced to give a powerpoint on NASA and somehow everyone loves him and he did a decent job.
However, one thing that helps is the way you present. Some people prefer the traditional lecture style where you stand in front, regurgitate what you want to say, and then some Q&A at the end. That works for some people and it may be the best way to do it depending on what the presentation is and the audience watching.
Another way to do it is more of a casual discussion. You still present your part, but describe what you are saying in a more lax way. I'm not saying curse or talk like you're at a bar, but more friendly, less scripted, more moving around. It's hard to describe, but think of a traditional presentation being some robot at a pedestal saying a speech. Very robotic, but if you screw up everyone notices as everyone expects it to be perfect. This alternative method is the opposite.
The more grounded way, is more casual, more prone to slang, ad libbing, conversation and people getting involved. I prefer this way of presenting and conducting meetings, but there are times it has to be the robotic way.
