If a speaker is nervous, is it advisable to state "I am sorry but I am really nervous" to the audience?

When a speaker acknowledges their nervousness by stating, "I am sorry but I am really nervous," it can detract from their credibility and the overall message they are trying to convey. This admission might lead the audience to focus more on the speaker's discomfort rather than the content of the presentation. Public speaking often involves projecting confidence and authority, and openly admitting to nervousness can undermine that image.

Instead, it is typically more effective for speakers to manage their anxiety internally or use strategies such as pausing, breathing techniques, or maintaining eye contact with the audience to convey assurance without drawing attention to their nervousness. By doing so, speakers encourage the audience to focus on the message rather than their personal feelings, leading to a more impactful presentation overall.

The other options suggest varying degrees of acceptability for stating nervousness, but the understanding is that maintaining composure and confidence is generally preferable for a stronger connection with the audience.