But all that adrenaline needs feeding. If you don’t eat, you’ll feel like limp rag when it’s all over.

You probably won’t be able to face it, but the full English (a big greasy fried breakfast, if you’re not familiar with this classic), a big lunch or a four course gala dinner won’t help. It’ll sit on your stomach like a lead weight.

Sweet pastries will give you an empty sugar high that won’t sustain you.

Go for slow release energy, instead – porridge, bananas, plenty of fruit, veg and good protein sources, and snack on dried fruit and nuts rather than sweets and biscuits, the usual conference fare.

No snacking while you speak, and get rid of the gum.

Choosing to eat smart will help you feel, look and sound better.

Speaking Well in Public offers public speaking courses at all levels, which address how best to deal with nerves.