Prepare yourself for doubt

As your talk approaches, it's totally normal to feel greater and greater doubts about how it's going to go.

I've told myself all of the following before a talk:

• "This is obvious to everyone."
• "I feel like a fraud."
• "There are no new ideas here."
• "My friends are going to think I suck."

Despite these doubts, I've usually gone on to give a satisfyingly-successful talk.

These days, I just expect these thoughts to pop into my head before a talk, and to be worst just before going on stage. It's still no fun that it happens, but now I'm mentally prepared and shrug it off.

When I talk to other speakers, they often admit to having the same thoughts. Don't freak out if you do too.