Sooner or later, the interview invitation is going to say you are required to give a presentation as part of the selection process. And like most people you may dread having to do it. You may think that you cannot speak publicly because of nervousness but all good speakers are nervous, and you can overcome those nerves.

What you can do is control those nerves and make them work for you rather than against you. There are several techniques for doing this which you should be aware of:

Tension should be released first in the lungs:

Short, panicky breathing should be replaced by slow, deep breathing - through the nose (to prevent drying out your throat prior to speaking). This can be done quite unobtrusively as you are being introduced, or asked to start your presentation.

When the introductions are over:

• First slow things down - stand slowly, clear a place for your notes if necessary, arrange your spectacles or otherwise control your space.
• Second when about to speak - drop your shoulders: This will give a feeling of relaxation and of tension dropping away. If your body feels relaxed you will quickly become relaxed.
• Third smile at the audience generally: Or at individuals you know or have contrived to meet prior to speaking, and stand quietly for a moment or two. If you can communicate some degree of warmth for them they are most likely to return the compliment.

When you have their full attention (and only then) you can commence your presentation. Again nerves may be encountered here so:

• know precisely what you are going to say in the first sentence;

• Always start with good morning/afternoon/evening ladies and gentlemen and introduce your subject;

• Let your audience know how long you expect to speak for;

• Say whether you will take questions during your talk or at the end.

Some individuals find the sound of their own (projected) voice quite disturbing initially and one should be prepared for this phenomena. It is only off-putting if unexpected.

Practise at home in front of the mirror as if you were talking to your audience, using your presentation or reading something out loud just so you get your voice muscles moving, and you get more used to hearing your own voice.

The interview presentation is becoming more common and the sooner you come to terms with your interview nerves, the sooner you can relax and present confidently.