How can you stay mindful during a presentation or speech?

Delivering a mindful presentation can be a transformative journey through your heart. If you choose to! What I have seen to work more often than not is when I am able to be truly authentic and vulnerable to myself while being able *feel* my audience. When 2 violins play they must be in tune for us to be able to hear an harmonious music, right? Same goes with you: when you tune in with your own 'music' and your audience's, you are being mindful. As you dive deep into your heart and are able to feel your audience's specific needs, you enter into resonance with them. The pitch is not about you but about the dance you are having with your audience. And, suddenly questions are asked, inquiries are made, you mindfully delivered your pitch!

By paying attention to what you see, hear, feel, smell, and taste, you can navigate yourself better in the present moment and avoid thoughts or emotions that might distract you. ??FOCUS ON YOUR CONTENT ??BE SHARP ??FOCUS ON YOUR AUDIENCE

Breathing deeply is incredibly effective, it allows you to regulate your speech so you are not rushing but taking the time to think, be present and fully focused, twinning this with a classic ‘power pose’ as advocated by the likes of Amy Cuddy will ensure your body effectively changes how your mind feels This non verbal stance of head high, chest lifted, and arms outstretched or placed on your hips will make you feel and look more confident. Standing hunched up and small will have the opposite effect

Normally when people have to give presentations, they start stressing, breathing heavily, muscles become tense, wet palms, sweating etc But if you condition your mind; take control & focus on your audience, things start getting smooth. Systematic breathing helps in keeping your calm; it gives you the re-assurance - everything is ok!

Don’t make it about you and ways You think you might mess up or If you’re liked. People came to learn from you so make it about how you can connect and inspire or teach your audience. When you take the attention off yourself and focus on the message not the messenger it helps a lot. It’s also good to start with getting your audience involved and calibrate by asking a couple of questions. Gives you time to get the jitters down and the shaky voice to gain some comfort.

Healthy pauses are a win-win! It gives you time to breathe & think wisely; it also gives time to your audience to digest your information better. Pauses work best for following scenarios: ? Emphasize on a point ? Create suspense ? Surprise your audience ? Reflection of a specific point ? Fun activity ? Team building

Self reflection helps in becoming a better speaker or evolve as a better person but do not be too harsh or too lenient. ??Remember there is always a room for improvement. ?? Learn from your mistakes ?? Grab the next opportunity ?? Give yourself a second chance

Remember you have just first 59 seconds to CONNECT & KLICK with your audience, grab it & give your best shot! As a Public speaker, here is what I do: ? Close my eyes & take a deep breath just before facing the audience ? Keep calm & repeat to myself YOU can do it! ? Start with a pleasant smile welcoming your audience & own the stage ? Do not just read from the slides ? Speak from Your heart ? Try to have a Balance between Body language & your content ? Show your passion ? Meaningful pauses ? Dont forget to breathe & smile ? Keep a track of time ? WIN your Audience

Don't just show (slides); tell. Share stories that are authentic to illustrate your point. It moves you away from your notes and the slides and allows you to make eye contact and genuinely connect with the audience.