Lack confidence in front of senior management? Are you nervous when delivering a presentation or speaking up at meetings, finding yourself getting tense, anxious, and wanting to "curl up in a ball"? Relax - its natural, after all performing in front of one or a number of senior level managers can be a daunting experience and one in which most people have the odd war story or two. So how do you minimise any potentially embarrassing or awkward situations and at the same time reduce your anxiety?

TRY THESE:

Keep your cool: When presenting to others or speaking in front of senior colleagues it's normal to feel a little nervous or uncomfortable, the key is not to let this stop you from doing your best. Physical reactions such as sweating, flushed face, breathlessness etc can vary from person to person, but if these symptoms are familiar, stop for a couple of seconds, take a deep breath, compose yourself and get on with it. Remember all you can do is your best and if you know you've prepared well, chances are you probably know more about the topic than your audience (or at the very least as much as).

Worst case scenario: Seriously what's the worst thing that can happen? List all your worst fears and then mentally practice what you could do to recover. For example can't think of the right words? Pause, don't fill the void with "uhs"; refer instead to your notes. Or when giving a presentation if you fear running overtime, then practice going straight to the conclusion or working out which key messages absolutely must be delivered making sure you do so before you conclude.

Practice, practice, practice: Plan to rehearse your presentation several times so that you can do it as naturally as possible. Being familiar with your materials will allow you more time to deal with questions and unexpected reactions more comfortably and confidently. If its a formal type presentation, try timing or recording yourself and then critique your performance; did you speak clearly, talk too fast/slowly, what about your body language? Whether you are involved in a presentation or a meeting get an agenda! If there isn't one try and determine what your audience's expectations are to enable you to come across as competent and not wasting their time. This is especially important if your participation is part of a broader presentation/meeting with many people participating

Anticipate Q&A: Many people get into trouble during a questions and answers session with senior management. Most importantly don't "wing it", usually people will pick this up and if they don't you could potentially be putting your credibility on the line if they subsequently find out. While its important to be prepared there are instances when you may not know the answer to a question, acknowledge this and promise a response later.

Find an internal confident: Try and find someone more senior to yourself whom you can trust and respect for advice.

Expand your network: How about trying to get to know other senior managers in both formal and informal settings such as social and charity events, receptions, trade-shows etc. You'll find most are not intimidating but just regular people. This will also give you the opportunity to engage in self promotion and become more comfortable in your own skin.

Remember most senior managers have been in your situation and it didn't prevent them getting to where they are today. In fact research says that successful higher level managers made more mistakes on the way up than the people who didn't get there. Better stumble trying than not trying at all!!