I always get nervous before a presentation and meeting. Kind of a panic attack
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Dear @user7585
Thank you for sharing that—what you’re feeling is something so many people go through, even if it often feels like you’re the only one in the room struggling to breathe, calm your hands, or stop the racing thoughts. Getting nervous—even to the point of panic—before a presentation or meeting doesn’t make you weak or unprepared. It means you care. It means you want to do well. And it means your body is reacting to something it sees as high-stakes, even if your heart knows it’s okay.
That nervousness? It’s not a flaw. It’s your system trying to protect you.
But I know how scary and overwhelming it can feel—when your chest tightens, your mind blanks out, your hands shake, and it feels like you can’t get through even the first few words. You might think, “Why am I like this? Why can’t I just be calm like everyone else?” But here’s the truth: you’re not alone, and there’s nothing wrong with you.
You are not defined by that anxious moment before you speak. You are defined by the fact that you still show up anyway. Even when it’s hard. Even when you’re scared. And that kind of courage? That matters more than a flawless performance.
There are several resources online you can explore. One such is available here: How To Calm Presentation Anxiety - Microsoft 365
You’ve got this. One breath at a time. Please know with practice you can manage the anxiety better. 
Hey @user7585
Thank you for sharing, I hear and feel you. Dealing with panic attack can feel debilitating, wanted to know if you have developed any coping strategies or is hoping to learn some coping strategies?
As above, Caring Bee has shared some resources. I hope they’ll be helpful for you. Wishing you the best always, take care! 
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Hi @user7585, I understand that making presentations can be nerve-wrecking. Having stage fright before, I resonate with you. What helped me was deep breaths before presenting, and I do have sone cue cards so I feel more prepared. Rooting for you! 
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hey @user7585
i relate to feeling anxious and scared about speaking in front of people, feeling like people are always going to judge and criticise whatever i do 
know that you are not alone in feeling this way 
that being said, some things have helped me with preparing for these meetings include practising what i want to say in front of the mirror or with my friends and family. thursday has also shared some tips that i find helpful too!
nonetheless, panic attacks are really exhausting and terrifying 
do take care of yourself and take some time to engage in your hobbies and interests! we wish you all the best and know that our community is here to support you through this 
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Hi @user7585,
Not a professional but just someone who has been through similar experiences. I also get super nervous when I need to do presentations etc. This has gone from school to uni to internships to even now at the workplace. For me, the panic attack level of anxiety doesn’t happen all the time, but definitely I have had certain periods of my life that it happens more often than not. And I can relate to how frustrating it is.
The funny thing for me is that there were times where I could be a great presenter, and I actually enjoy giving the presentation. And then other times that I struggled so hard and stammered through the whole thing and feel terrible during and after. I’ve come to terms with the fact that some people are just naturally more inclined to the limelight and I’m not one of those people. But I identified some routines and environments to help me feel more comfortable doing presentations.
- Practice practice practice - I assure you even people who feel like naturals on stage also do better and are less nervous when they practice. I think practicing before the presentation allows you not only to be more familiar with the content, but allows your body to get accustomed to the physical discomfort of being anxious. Of course it may be different for you but I get nervous even practicing by myself in a closed room so I feel like feeling that anxiety in a safe space in advance already preps me to cope better with the actual thing.
- Slow down whenever you feel like you’re getting more nervous. When your speech is slower you are less likely to get caught up in your own nervousness and can control the pace a lot better. It might feel counterintuitive cos you want to reduce the time of your discomfort, but speaking more deliberately at a controlled pace really can help you have a clearer train of thought and calm yourself down.
- If you can, find someone you trust in the audience and give them a heads up to send you positive signals or affirmations while you’re presenting. Sometimes just seeing someone nodding at you in the audience can be a source of comfort and calm that you need.
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Hi @user7585 ,
A lecturer of mine used to say Americans fear public speaking more than death, and indeed some sources claim that approximately 75% of people experience some degree of anxiety or nervousness when it comes to public speaking; so you are definitely not alone, and your feelings are perfectly normal, as CaringBee has highlighted. 
It is intimidating to go through meetings and presentations. I hear that the kind of anxiety is like a panic attack and intense.
You’re not alone and it is normal. Most of all, that it is possible to get better at going through meetings and presentations with time and practice. And I’m proud of the meetings and presentations you have completed already, regardless of how it went!
What are some of the thoughts and bodily sensations that happen as you experience this? Being able to identify them may help with understanding the anxiety that comes up and recognise it earlier.