How can you manage stress while engaging with your audience?

You can also pace yourself while speaking by pausing, asking the audience to ponder a question, or inviting them to engage by taking a breath with you, etc. Remind yourself you're there to serve and share information that some may find valuable while others will not but it's ok.

One of the reasons of the stress with the audience is of being in the center of attention. As a speaker, everyone is seeking your guidance, wisdom, and directions. Being prepared with the subject, with practical stories gives you upper hand. Another reason could be the past experience - maybe yours or someone else'. In both the cases the past performance makes you stressed to perform. It is advisable to understand the mitigation plans if the past performance was not upto the expectations - the pre-preparation helps here. Stage presence can be overcome through eye contacts with everyone, early pauses to look around and be comfortable in yourself, deep breaths to calm down, frequent pauses to take audience clues, and having great examples.

To me Identifying stress triggers has been a game-changer. A nightmarish travel experience, overindulgence in favorite foods, or a restless night—knowing these culprits helps manage stress. Now, a well-thought-out travel plan, balanced meals, and quality sleep have become my stress-busting allies. Stress reduction, for me, is a mix of self-awareness and setting the right foundation for a smoother journey.

Preparation: Thoroughly prepare and rehearse your presentation in advance. Familiarity with your content boosts your confidence and reduces stress. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practice mindfulness and deep-breathing exercises before and during your presentation. Relaxation techniques can help calm your nerves and manage stress. Positive Visualization: Visualize a successful presentation in your mind. Focus on positive outcomes and envision yourself connecting with the audience. Connect with the Audience: Establish a connection with your audience early in the presentation. Engage in eye contact, smile, and use relatable anecdotes to create rapport. Focus on the Message, Not Yourself:

Taking care of yourself during your presentation/ speech cannot be forgotten. -Consider what you need in the environment. Take time to check-in with yourself. Is having notes, something to hold in your hand (like a small stone or fidget toy), or maybe having a podium to stand behind helpful for you? Do you want a chair to sit periodically? What kind of beverage is comforting/soothing to have available? How do you introduce your presentation and set boundaries for the group (ex- questions only at the end or open forum at any time)? After each speech you give, be sure to reevaluate what works and what you could do next time to care for yourself more.

Keep your talk conversational, it will help you stay relaxed like you're talking to a friend or colleague. Remember the audience is unaware of the dynamics of your talk so even if you know you "messed up" they have no idea!

I say to connect with your audience because it doesn't matter how hard you try your audience is going to see that you're stressed out. Its better to expose it and use it to connect with those in your audience because everyone knows what it is and how it feels to be stressed out. Connect with your audience not only will they understand but your situation will resonate with them so much so that they will extend grace to you and they will even begin to de-stress you by lifting you up and encouraging you while you do the same for them.

Antes de qualquer apresenta??o, procure visualizar tudo ocorrendo da maneira mais perfeita. Ao utilizar da imagina??o, você estará criando a realidade que deseja vivenciar. Quando estiver a caminho do evento, procure n?o pensar em nada. Ou?a uma música, por exemplo, e desvie de tudo o que possa lhe deixar preocupado. A mente deve estar tranquila no momento da apresenta??o. Quando estiver no local, sinta que você é autoridade no assunto que apresentará e que você está lá porque merece ser ouvido. O seu "eu interior" lhe dirá exatamente o que deve fazer. Fique tranquilo. Suba no palco e fa?a o seu show.

Keep it light- add humor — your audience will engage more and you will relax! Example - tell a joke first — have a funny photo to flash up- tell a funny about yourself — laugh at your stress