Nervous About Your Presentation? Shift Your Focus.
Scott Hubbard leading Corporate Presentation Training in Chicago, IL (Photo: Tyler Core)
When we feel nervous before a presentation, most of us turn inward:
”How do I sound?”
”Do I look confident?”
”What if I mess up?!”
Totally normal. Even professional communicators have these thoughts.
But something I heard recently on a podcast hit me…
“Anxiety thrives when your focus is on yourself. Confidence shows up when your focus is on others.”
I've seen this play out again and again in presentation skills training with Fortune 500 executives, scientists, and analysts at consulting firms.
The One Question That Changes Everything
There's one question I end up asking clients more than any other—usually right after they ask about their content or delivery:
"What's best for your audience?"
When you shift your attention outward—really think about what your audience needs, what they care about, and how you can help—you show up differently.
This mindset shift is powerful. Not only does it reduce anxiety… it also makes your message land better:
Less performative. More grounded.
Less tense. More connected.
Less "presentation mode." More presence.
Why This Mental Shift Works for Presentation Anxiety
The reason this works is simple: your brain can't focus on two things at once. When you're genuinely concerned about serving your audience, there's no mental bandwidth left for self-criticism.
I've watched this transformation happen countless times in my training sessions. The moment someone stops asking "How do I look?" and starts asking "What do they need?" everything changes—their posture, their voice, their entire presence.
REMEMBERIt's not about me.
It's about them.
Always.
How to Practice the Audience-First Mindset
Before your next presentation, try this simple exercise:
Write down three specific needs your audience has
Identify one key takeaway that would genuinely help them
Ask yourself: "If I could only give them one thing, what would it be?"
This isn't just presentation advice—it's a fundamental shift that makes you a better communicator in every context.
Ready to Transform Your Communication?
This mindset shift is just the beginning. If you're ready to turn ideas into clear, confident communication—so your message actually lands—let's connect.
At Hubbard Communication, I help thoughtful leaders be heard—not because they speak louder, but because their message is clear.
