What to take to ease nerves before a presentation?

[taktikz]

I tend to get too ******* nervous when giving a presentation. It's like I can't focus on what I have to say... Is there anything out there that I can take to kind of just chill me out? I've heard of ppl drinking a bit before a speech...

 

[nostrings]

Vodka. Yes, vodka. ... or... Benadryl.

 

[longskate88]

I can't think of the drur right now, but someone will chime in. My Psych prof. said it's a common drug used to calm people down, during speeched for example. I want to say Methadone, but I don't think that's it. I'll try and look it up.

EDIT: Benzodiazepines or SSRI's for mood

 

[lee_44106]

metoprolol

 

[Jumbie]

Beta blockers are used for situational anxiety.

If it is serious, then talk to your doctor about it. If you just get a bit nervous (I do as well) then you just need to "man up".

[edit]

Ninja'd by lee.

[/edit]

 

[Thomas]

Originally Posted by taktikz

I tend to get too ******* nervous when giving a presentation. It's like I can't focus on what I have to say... Is there anything out there that I can take to kind of just chill me out? I've heard of ppl drinking a bit before a speech...

Get lots of practice - work your material until you know it like the back of your hand. and do a dress rehearsal in the room you'll be using well before the presentation. You'll look and sound like a pro, without the pesky bourbon breath or slurred speech.

 

[Gus]

Originally Posted by taktikz

I tend to get too ******* nervous when giving a presentation. It's like I can't focus on what I have to say... Is there anything out there that I can take to kind of just chill me out? I've heard of ppl drinking a bit before a speech...

Don't drink. You have too drink so much to calm down that you start getting sloppy. You will loose your edge.

See a Dr and ask about Beta blockers.

But avoid anyone recommending a tranquilizer like Valium or Xanax. They cover it up but you never get better. With the Beta blocker you experience mild symptoms but are fully alert. It keeps your heart rate steady too so you feel in control. You tend to get better with each presentation and eventually stop using them.

 

[Go Surface]

Ativaaaaaaaan.

 

[bmulford]

Originally Posted by longskate88

I can't think of the drur right now, but someone will chime in. My Psych prof. said it's a common drug used to calm people down, during speeched for example. I want to say Methadone, but I don't think that's it. I'll try and look it up.

EDIT: Benzodiazepines or SSRI's for mood



These can get messy in a hurry.

The only way to change your brain wiring so that you won't be nervous - is to train the behavior. Speak often, present as often as you can. Practice on your own - envision an audience and your presenting to them.

The more you're brain gets the message its not something to fear, the less you'll have anxiety reactions.

I had to do the same with flying. having flown over 1M miles I thought I was impervious to flight apprehension. Until one flight out of SFO where I seriously thought death was coming.

Flight attendants hit the roof, people were screaming, and the violent turbulence didn't stop for 2-3 minutes. Worse yet, it was on the ascent - just a few minutes after take off. So we we're at a steep pitch when it started to hit.

After that - I could barely force myself onto a plane. This was a period where I was flying 2x per week. I'd literally have to pscyh myself up to get on.

Reading materials about how people overcame fear of flying - I found the same advice I gave you earlier. Understand the dynamics of what you're afraid of, and expose yourself to it. When you experience the anxiety, yet are able to walk yourself through it and come out unharmed - your brain rewires your reactive levels.

 

[dusty]

Beta blockers are exactly what you want. Virtually no side-effects and a very short half-life from what I read. Article: http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200808u/beta-blockers

 

[JasonC8301]

Doing it over and over again until it just happens naturally. A big hand in my presentation skills were cultured during recruit training for the USMC down in Parris Island, SC.

Sure if you drink or take some meds you can face a whole new set of issues. I personally do not drink often or in large amounts because alcohol gets me grouchy and anti-social.

Thomas made some good recommendations and I suggest adding in some co-workers into it (the ones you know a little better than the rest of the staff.)

 

[FlyingLotus]

Clonazepam, I call it fantastic voyage.
I used to have a prescription for it back in high school due to anxiety attacks, along with Ativan.
Looking back I cant believe how quick doctors can be to prescribe addictive drugs to teenagers.
Now i manage anxiety by going to the gym, eating well, and avoiding excessive drinking...

Seriously though, just get used to doing it naturally. 'Using' anything will most likely just lead to problems one way or another.

 

[taktikz]

Originally Posted by bmulford

These can get messy in a hurry. The only way to change your brain wiring so that you won't be nervous - is to train the behavior. Speak often, present as often as you can. Practice on your own - envision an audience and your presenting to them. The more you're brain gets the message its not something to fear, the less you'll have anxiety reactions. I had to do the same with flying. having flown over 1M miles I thought I was impervious to flight apprehension. Until one flight out of SFO where I seriously thought death was coming. Flight attendants hit the roof, people were screaming, and the violent turbulence didn't stop for 2-3 minutes. Worse yet, it was on the ascent - just a few minutes after take off. So we we're at a steep pitch when it started to hit. After that - I could barely force myself onto a plane. This was a period where I was flying 2x per week. I'd literally have to pscyh myself up to get on. Reading materials about how people overcame fear of flying - I found the same advice I gave you earlier. Understand the dynamics of what you're afraid of, and expose yourself to it. When you experience the anxiety, yet are able to walk yourself through it and come out unharmed - your brain rewires your reactive levels.
The thing is I've tried a few times and it just seems to get worse each time...

 

[GQgeek]

Get yourself an escort. Much better than any drugs and you will feel totally relaxed afterwards.

 

[ChristopherG]

There's an all natural supplement called "Rescue Remedy" that's supposed to ease anxiety.