I Still Shit My Pants When I Have to Present

No matter how many times I’ve done it or how familiar I am with the material, presenting still makes me nervous. I’ve been complimented on my presentations—they say I’m engaging, fun, and confident—but inside, my stomach is flipping and my hands are shaking. If you’re like me, a shy and introverted person who has a love-hate relationship with presentations, I hope this piece can offer some reassurance: you’re not alone.

Let’s get real—presenting is hard. Even when you know your stuff inside out, it’s tough to step up in front of people and deliver it without feeling like you’re on the verge of a meltdown. For me, I still get that same nervous energy sometimes. Deep breaths help, as does a cup of coffee that I cling to like a life raft. And yet, there’s something exhilarating about it, too. It’s a kind of controlled chaos where, despite the nerves, I actually enjoy myself once I get going.

So, what’s my survival strategy? Rituals, entertainment, and authenticity.

Develop Your Rituals
Having a pre-presentation routine can work wonders. For me, I like to take a longer shower before a big presentation, clear my head, and crank up “It’s Like That” by Mariah Carey. This might sound silly, but it helps me get into the right mindset. I hype myself up with some good energy and dance around a little before diving into the seriousness of the day.

Make Your Presentation Fun for You and Your Audience
The secret to presenting when you’re shy is to make it as enjoyable for yourself as it is for the audience. I’m all about engaging presentations that reflect my personality, and I find humor is a great way to loosen up both myself and the crowd. Enter Mariah Carey gifs—yes, they make regular appearances in my slides. They’re funny, relatable, and they bring some lightness to whatever serious material I’m talking about. Finding little ways to inject some fun into the process not only makes it easier for me but helps keep my audience engaged.

Be Yourself
One of the most important things I’ve learned is to embrace who I am as a presenter. I’m naturally animated—I move my arms a lot, I walk around when I talk, and I have a thing for wearing floral shirts. Some people might prefer to stand still and keep things formal, but that’s just not me. I’ve realized that letting my personality shine through is what makes my presentations memorable. The more I lean into what makes me feel comfortable, the easier it is to forget about the nerves and just enjoy the experience.

In the end, presenting is never going to be completely stress-free for me, but it’s something I’ve learned to manage and even enjoy in my own quirky way. If you’re someone who still “shits your pants” before presentations, don’t beat yourself up over it. You’re in good company! Find your rituals, make it fun, and let your true self come through—that’s the real magic of presenting.