Giving a Team Knowledge Session When You Are Nervous
Updated September 2026: in 2019 I wrote about presenting a team session the day before my vacation, a session I felt existed mainly to show a manager was active, and being told afterwards it was optional. I have rewritten it as a guide to giving an internal knowledge session when you are nervous or unconvinced.
I had to present a session on a Monday, the day before my long vacation. I was annoyed, because I felt it helped nobody and had been planned so one of the managers could show he was monitoring the team. He told me that, starting with me, everyone would present each week about their approach to work. The session went fine. I stammered in places but explained the concepts confidently. At the end he told the team the sessions were optional, for anyone who wanted to share something new. That annoyed me more, and I felt unwell for a few hours afterwards.
Why do internal sessions feel like a burden?
They take preparation time on top of normal work, the purpose is often unclear, and presenting to colleagues can feel more exposing than presenting to clients.
How do you make a session worth giving?
- Pick one useful topic, such as a template or shortcut you use every day.
- Keep it short, fifteen or twenty minutes with time for questions.
- Show a real example rather than theory.
- Share the material afterwards so it outlasts the call.
How do you handle nerves and stammering?
Rehearse the opening minute out loud, since that is when nerves are worst. Speak a little slower than feels natural and pause instead of filling gaps. Most listeners notice confidence in the content far more than small stumbles in delivery.
What if the session turns out to be optional?
Treat the one you gave as a win, not wasted effort. You now have material you can reuse in onboarding or client work. If you disagree with how sessions are organised, suggest a better format to the manager, such as a monthly slot with volunteers.
Should you present right before a vacation?
Avoid it if you can. The days before leave are already busy with handovers. If a date is set for you, ask to move it, or keep the session short and simple.