To ask how to sound calm and collected at the beginning of a presentation

[MinnieSmithers]

I often have to do presentations and short speeches at work and I'm fine with this as I know my subject well. But its the first 30 seconds or so that the nerves seem to kick in somehow and my voice sounds wrong - sort of strangled, then I'm fine.

I think this makes me seem unprofessional and I don't know how to address it as I generally don't feel that nervous so don't know why my voice thinks I am.

AIBU to ask if anyone has any solutions?

Breathe, pause and speak as slowly as you dare.

I don't know but I wanted to sympathise.

I have the exact opposite. I'm fine for the first five minutes and then I start to stammer, shake and get brain fog. I don't know why I suddenly get nervous half way through.

I'm assuming that you do all the right things beforehand such as not having any dairy/tea/coffee and sipping water (with honey). Practice deep-breathing etc.

I generally take the first 30 seconds to introduce myself, my job title and a little about my role/how long I've worked here etc; even if it's not massively necessary. Then by the time I do my first slide I'm in the rhythm!

I try to "practice" by regularly visualising myself going up to speak in the room where it's going to be. I try to make the imagining really vivid and repeat it regularly (usually in bed at night when I'm going to sleep). I think it really helps if you've "done it" in your head beforehand. Sometimes I even feel nervous when I imagine it - but then after a few times that stops. The other thing I do because I saw it in a ted talk is try to spread out physically beforehand. Apparently if you stand in a star shape for 60 seconds shortly before a talk or whatever you feel way more confident! By the same token no scrinching up your body shortly beforehand. Good luck!

Why no dairy?

m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks-_Mh1QhMc
This lady has done a few Ted talks on confidence, public speaking and body language. That might help.

I always stand up, look round, breathe, and smile. And then start talking. Somehow, the act of smiling relaxes you, and puts you in a good place

StealthPolarBear

Dairy can clag up the throat and cause mucus (only in some people though).

tea and coffee make you jittery and make your mouth dry.