Use your time wisely before you start your presentation

When we’re waiting backstage before giving a presentation…it’s a little wild. 

If we’re at a conference, there’s bright lights, staff running around, and wires and cameras and gear everywhere. And in the middle of it...there's you, standing still while a tech person tugs a microphone wire under your jacket. We’re stressed, worried, and wondering if we’ll flub it all up.  

So, how can we deal with the stress of being backstage before we hit the spotlight? 

We need a plan.

Don’t waste your time backstage

When we're waiting backstage, we might be "on deck" for twenty minutes, or even an hour. 

This is the danger zone. 

It's this narrow window of time before we hit the stage that we're really in danger of melting the f*ck down. 

We're SO FREAKED OUT with stage fright that it's a real challenge to stay focused. Our thoughts spiral in circles, we're in a daze, AND all our nervous reactions are hitting us. 

So it's essential to prep for this. We need a plan to help us wait out our time backstage.

Always have a plan

A plan gives our brain something concrete to focus on. (Our brain is like a toddler, it needs distraction to stay happy.)

So, take time to figure out what you're doing while you wait backstage.  

Here are a few ideas: 

• run through the key points of your presentation

• focus on relaxation or breathing techniques

• rehearse any problem areas 

• your introduction and conclusion 

You probably won’t have the time to fully rehearse, but do have a clear idea of what you're focusing on. 

Also, you can remind yourself what what you want to do AFTER you leave the stage (like network, or watch other presentations). 

No matter what, your plan will help you stay focused, and help keep the nerves at bay.