I have a distinct memory of one moment from my early acting days.
I stepped out on stage, looked at the audience, and my mind went blank. Like my brain had run off into the wilderness. I can tell you now, it’s a scary experience.
This same kind of thing can happen when you’re giving a presentation. Everything is going smoothly, and then, out of nowhere, your mind wanders off.
Suddenly, you find yourself struggling to find the right words. Searching for any cue to lead you to the next part of your talk.
And while you’re floundering, you’re confusing your audience:
"Oh, they've paused for a while now. Does that mean I'm meant to think about that idea? Was that meant to be important? Or do they just not know what's next?"
Let’s be real – when speaking in front of a crowd – a little brain fog can happen to the best of us.
Here’s some of my own tested strategies to help you stay focused during your next presentation.
1. Ground yourself on the stage
I find the best way to combat a wandering mind is to ground yourself in the present moment.
If I can sense my mind starting to wander, I start with deep breathing. Breathe in and out slowly while quietly staying connected to the stage.
Pay attention to your body by focusing on your posture, feeling the connection between your feet and the stage floor, and gently using your core muscles for a strong stance.
Picture yourself rooted and confident, keeping that feeling throughout your performance. I always feel more present when I’m connected to the space.
If your body is feeling tight, you can also add small subtle, controlled movements that connect with your body and the space around you.
These will help keep your mind focused on the task at hand and keep the nerves at bay.
2. Stop dwelling on the past or the future
During a presentation, I find it’s common to think about mistakes or challenges from before or what might happen in the future.
But, thinking too much about these things can make you lose focus. Instead, try to stay focused on what’s happening right now.
In one of my early talks, I remember stumbled on some words, and right away, I started thinking about that moment. But, I managed to bring my thoughts back to what I was talking about at that time, and it helped me get back on track.
If you find your mind going back to the past or jumping ahead to the future during a presentation, gently bring your thoughts back to what you’re doing. While it’s useful to know where you’re going, fixating on the outcome isn’t going to help you in the moment.
Concentrate on the important points of your presentation and remind yourself that the audience is interested in what you’re saying right now. They will hear the rest later.
3. Focus on the audience
One of the best things I know to keep your mind focused during a presentation is to pay attention to the audience.
Connect with their reactions, make eye contact, and notice how they respond. This not only helps you stay in the moment but also makes you look more engaged (and engaging!).
If you find yourself thinking about how your message is coming across, you can always interact with the audience.
Ask questions, encourage participation, or share relatable stories and ask for their experiences.
This not only keeps their interest but also gives you immediate feedback to adjust your presentation, which keeps your mind present.
4. Refer to your notes or PowerPoint
There’s no shame in using notes, and sometimes it’s the smartest choice.
Consider your PowerPoint as a helpful tool for you to glance at when needed. The slides should not only support your message but also serve as a clear guide for you as the presenter. Particularly if you’re just starting out speaking.
It can also be useful to take some notes with you. It’s always better to have them ready and not use them, than to need them and not have them.
When taking notes, keep it simple. Instead of writing everything out, use bullet points to jog your memory about the main ideas. Refer to your notes as necessary to keep your presentation smooth and stay focused.
If your wander starts to wander, use them to bring yourself back to the task at hand.
Final thoughts on what to do when your mind wanders
It can be a challenge to tackle a wandering brain. But you can get it under control, even if you are feeling nervous.
Breathe, stop thinking about your mistakes or worries, focus on your audience, and use your notes if you need to.
Keep these techniques in mind the next time you’re on stage and your mind starts to head off into the wild.
