Handling Anxiety

Meeting new people and sharing your work can feel intimidating, but there are practical strategies to make the experience easier and more rewarding.

The best response to anxiety is action.

Script Key Points Write down short talking points for each project in your portfolio. They can include what the project was, the problem you solved, and what you learned.
Benefit: Having prompts ready helps prevent blanking in the moment.
Practice with a Friendly Audience Rehearse presenting your portfolio with a classmate, mentor, or even in front of a mirror.
Benefit: Familiarity reduces anxiety, making the conversation feel more natural.
Prepare a Few Go-To Questions Having questions ready can take the pressure off when conversation slows. Examples include:
- “What stands out to you about this project?”
- “Do you see ways I could make this piece stronger?”
- “What do you look for in a junior designer?”
Accept Nervousness as Normal Even professionals get anxious. Acknowledging nerves with “I’m a little nervous but excited to be here” can help ease them.

Start with a Smile and Simple Greeting A short introduction like, “Hi, I’m Johnny. Thanks for looking at my work!” works perfectly.
Focus on Listening Reviewers are there to give feedback and help. The goal is to absorb insights, not to deliver a perfect pitch.
Take Notes Jotting down feedback shows professionalism, helps you remember key points, and gives your hands something to do.
Pause and Breathe Taking a breath before responding can calm nerves and make answers sound more thoughtful.
Keep Responses Simple You don’t need to fill every silence. Short, genuine responses such as “That’s a great point. I’ll think about that” work well.

Reflect on the Feedback Write down the most valuable points right away before they’re forgotten.
Follow Up A short thank-you email or LinkedIn message can leave a positive impression.
Celebrate the Effort Participating is an accomplishment. Simply showing up and sharing your work is a win.

Reframe the Event Think of it as an opportunity to gather insight, not a test to pass or fail.
Set Micro-Goals Break the experience into small, achievable steps, like introducing yourself to two reviewers or asking one question per table.
See It as Practice Every review or networking event is a chance to get more comfortable and build confidence for the future.