The best way to deal with anxiety in a presentation is to recognize it before it begins. The audience won't know you're nervous unless you tell them you are (my advice: don't), or they see and hear nervousness once you begin speaking. If you deal with your nerves in advance of that, your chances for a successful presentation are much greater.

Behavioral psychologists commonly recommend three ways to diminish the negative effects of anxiety. These include depersonalization, behavior modification and practice.

Some of the more common symptoms of a nervous speaker are trembling, fidgeting, a weak or quivering voice and losing your concentration— all of which are correctable. These symptoms are usually most acute at the beginning of a speech 33 and generally dissipate as a speaker moves into the heart of the argument. In fact, by the end of most speeches, there are usually no outward signs of anxiety for even the most nervous speakers.

So, if you're feeling anxious as a presentation begins, make certain that you've done all you can in advance to make this a comfortable moment. Your first priority is to breathe properly. Nervousness can cause you to take shallow, quick breaths that often translate into a reedy, panicked voice. Before you step up to the podium, consciously take a couple of long, deep breaths. Not only will such breathing patterns contribute to a stronger voice, but they will also help you to relax.