How to stay calm before presenting your data story?

Presenting a data story can feel daunting—even when you know your analysis inside out. The good news is that staying calm is a skill you can build with a few simple habits.

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Start by grounding yourself in the story you want to tell. You’re not presenting a spreadsheet; you’re guiding your audience through a narrative with a purpose. When you’re clear on that purpose, confidence follows.

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Next, rehearse out loud. It doesn’t need to be perfect, but hearing your own words helps you refine your flow and spot any sticking points before you’re in the room. If nerves creep in, practice slow, deliberate breathing—four seconds in, four seconds out. It signals to your body that you’re in control.

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Before you present, visualise the conversation going well. Imagine the nods, the questions, and the moment your insight clicks for your audience. This small mental shift replaces fear with anticipation.

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Finally, remember that your audience wants you to succeed. They’re there because they’re interested in what the data reveals, not to scrutinise your speaking. Trust your preparation, trust your story, and let the data do the heavy lifting.

Presenting can be overwhelming for a lot of us, but its a key skill we often need to master to succeed in data centric roles. For more advice and support on how to Present Data with Confidence, please check out our course on this topic.