The number one way to settle nerves ahead of a presentation?
Greet people at the door and welcome them into the room.
Greeting people as they walk into the room works because:
1. Social connection reduces nerves.
Greeting people at the door establishes a quick personal connection. We are wired for belonging and even small gestures of recognition reduce cortisol (stress) and increase oxytocin (connection), calming your nervous system before you begin.
2. Shifts focus outward.
Nerves often spike when all your attention is on yourself (“How will I do?” “Will they like me?”). By welcoming others, you shift attention to them, reducing self-focus and reframing the situation as service, not performance.
3. The first moments are often the hardest.
Greeting people “starts” the presentation. By the time you actually begin, the audience already feels familiar.
One client called it the elixir of her presentation.
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Julie Bush specializes in working with leaders and teams to develop ways of working that improve team alignment, cohesion and results. She is a sought after coach of leaders across many levels of experience, and over a wide range of industries. Specializing in the opportunities and challenges facing emerging leaders, Julie helps people navigate the world of work, plan a career path, and integrate the aspects of a robust and rewarding personal and work life. Julie has worked with leaders and teams in organizations that range in size from Fortune 100 to start-ups.