What I Remind Myself Before Every Presentation

The first time I had to present in a foreign language, I was 8 years old—standing in front of my class at Clyde Hill Elementary, nervously introducing my LEGO treehouse. (It was 10 months after learning my ABCs.. so quite the nerve wrecking experience) I still remember the racing heartbeat and the rush of blood around my temples.

That feeling hasn’t entirely gone away.

Whether it’s a quick self-introduction, a 30-minute presentation, or hosting a full-hour meeting, I still feel that nervous energy—especially when the audience is large, external, or in-person.

Over the years, I’ve gotten better at managing it. But one quote from a Jordan B. Peterson interview has stuck with me. I saved it under “Read this before any presentation” in my personal notes:

“Never take the fact that people aren’t throwing rocks at you for granted. I’m damn serious about that.”
– Look around for 10–15 seconds.
– Talk to individuals, not to the audience.
– Treat even the difficult ones as guests—they made the effort to be there.
– Remember: you are privileged to have an audience.

With several customer meetings—online and offline, Japanese and English—lined up in the coming months, I know I’ll be revisiting that note often.

Do you still get nervous before presentations or meetings?
Would love to hear what’s helped you manage it.