What are some techniques for calming your nerves during board proceedings?

What you're talking about here is essentially the same thing as stage fright. The best way to overcome that is through practice. For me, weekly open mic night was the cure.<br><br>Alternatively, since this is short notice, keep a knife in your pocket and remember that the board members are old
and broken. In the worst case scenario, you could probably take out 2 or
3 of them. That should give you at least some comfort.<br>

I would like to thank you all for your time and your responses. I used a slight variation of all of your insights to receive my recommendation for promotion. Thank you all again,
SGT(P) Burnham

<p>SGT Burnham, I have been to so many boards that I have lost count and I experienced what you are talking about every single time.&nbsp; I have heard about breath control and I have heard about looking at the board member's foreheads and I have heard about intentionally slowing down your thinking process.</p><p><br></p><p>All of these work when they are combined.&nbsp; My last board was my final board for selection into Audie Murphy.&nbsp; We had five different stations and were required to sit one on one with a different CSM at every location with each station being a different set of subjects.&nbsp; I found that when I did not look the CSM in the eye and intentionally made myself breath and slow my thinking process I was able to formulate correct answers and not present myself as a blundering idiot (that being how I describe what I sound like when I don't do those things).&nbsp; I did almost fail my last station with the Corps CSM.&nbsp; I attempted all of those items but for some reason when asked to recite the NCO Creed I simply could not.&nbsp; Thankfully he was patient and gave me some time to gather myself and I was able to recite the creed on my second try.</p><p><br></p><p>Just be patient with yourself.&nbsp; You are going to be nervous, accept it.&nbsp; Take some or all of the hints given to you in this forum and use what works for you.&nbsp; Don't fear the board but respect what it does to you and you will do as well as you are able too.&nbsp; Work hard, study hard and don't ever give up and eventually, through trial and error, you will find what works for you.</p><p><br></p><p>I hope this helps and Good Luck!</p>

THe easiest way and something I used to do from Squad Leader up to now.&nbsp; Anyone I knew going to a board, I would hold a Moc board at least 3 times a wek before the actual board.&nbsp; Nothing will prepare you more than actual practice.&nbsp; Just like we say "Train as you fight" same goes for anything you do.&nbsp; Practice practice practice.&nbsp; The more you stand infrom of a group that will be serious and emulate an actual board, the easier it will be to stand in front of your crusty CSM!

First of all, let me wish you good luck. Go in with your head up, be confident and sound off. I too, went in multiple times. What helped me was to be loud and confident. Continue studying daily with your Leader and take breaks when needed.

While I have not been through an Army board, I have been through enough similar stressful experiences to know what works best for me.

BREATH CONTROL.  Take a moment to focus on your hands....Relax them. When you relax the hands, you will relax some.  Always remember, think fast, talk slow.

Use a thumb tact in your shoe when you get nervous press on it with your big toe

See if you can spend some time in that room.  Getting use to that board room might help.  Good luck.