I used to be really good at making presentations but nowadays I find my throat becoming very scratchy and dry when I am speaking in front of an audience. I know my subject well but somehow I just feel that my throat is tightening when I start presenting. What is happening here and how can I get over this?
Most often, if you have been asked to present something, then it is because you know more about the subject than anyone else in the audience.
Gain confidence from that fact.
I find, that running through my presentation in my head (a speeded up version) shortly before presenting on a new subject, helps me feel more in control.
Deep Breathing techniques, centering yourself before you begin to speak will all help.
However, you have also mentioned that this was not a problem for you before. Will it be possible for you to do some personal introspection as to when this changed and thus figure out what triggered it.
Once you know the source or trigger for your nervousness / anxiety – it would be easier to suggest personalised solutions
Ha.. Ha… everyone gets the heebeegeebees before presenting in front of an audience. It helps to know your material well, which you have mentioned that you do.
Maybe spice up your presentations a bit more, raise the energy of the audience and that may help you shine brighter. Think of how you could get the audience to lean in, maybe a short quiz , a role play, build a story with the audience. Basically something creative and fun, something you can’t completely control… so you are engrossed in the session and forget your inhibitions. Dive into the deep end.. 😊