Go to sleep early the night before any presentation or performance. If you feel lethargic, your audience will notice. A full night's rest will make you feel more energetic and help you perform at your best.
Prepare for your presentation or performance. Learn your material by heart, but go beyond reciting a script word for word. Practice in front of a friend, family member or a mirror and speak conversationally and at a natural pace. Also avoid using too many note cards or rustling papers during a presentation or performance. It could distract both you and your audience.
Avoid coffee or caffeinated beverages before a presentation or performance. Too much caffeine can make you jittery, and as a result, even more nervous. Also avoid dairy products, which can coat your throat and make it difficult to speak, as well as gas-inducing foods.
Take a few slow, deep breaths (as many as you need) before walking out in front of an audience. Breathing deeply can slow your heart rate, and make you less nervous.
Make eye contact with audience members. This will not only keep the audience actively engaged, but will also help you project confidence.
If the audience, panel members, moderators or judges provide criticism or feedback after your presentation or performance, show respect and respond honestly. However, they way you respond may depend on the type of performance being delivered. For example, comedians may directly address unruly audience members, whereas stage actors should ignore them and let an usher ask them to leave.