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

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.  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.

All of these work when they are combined.  My last board was my final board for selection into Audie Murphy.  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.  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).  I did almost fail my last station with the Corps CSM.  I attempted all of those items but for some reason when asked to recite the NCO Creed I simply could not.  Thankfully he was patient and gave me some time to gather myself and I was able to recite the creed on my second try.

Just be patient with yourself.  You are going to be nervous, accept it.  Take some or all of the hints given to you in this forum and use what works for you.  Don't fear the board but respect what it does to you and you will do as well as you are able too.  Work hard, study hard and don't ever give up and eventually, through trial and error, you will find what works for you.

I hope this helps and Good Luck!