Put the Brakes On!

For people who get really nervous when they present, fast talking and stumbles are bound to appear in the presentation.

First, do not apologize for any stumbles or mixed up words. If you just continue talking, the audience may not even hear the mix up, or they will quickly forget the stumble.[1]

Sometimes, the speed you are talking is faster than the rapidness of your heart rate. Put the brakes on. I know you want to get the presentation over with, but try to slow down the pace of your talking. When you are talking fast, you do not have time to think about what you are saying.[2]


If you need to, stop and take a deep breath to compose yourself, then continue talking.

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[1] Guffey, M.E., Rhodes, K., & Rogin, P. (2011). Business communication: process and product (6th Canadian ed). Toronto, ON: Nelson Education Ltd.

[2] Guffey, M.E., Rhodes, K., & Rogin, P. (2011).