John, I used to be able to solve this by spittin on the floor. When I was a red neck...OK still am a redneck just don't chew tabacci anymore.
No all seriousness aside I think it would be perfectly acceptable to ask for, or bring a bottle of water. You are articulate and your mannerism is great so as stated above you should be fine. The slight nervousness is kind of expected now especially in your field. So I guess what I am saying is "don't sweat the small stuff" and
GOOD LUCK ... NIB I hear you on that...