"You look bored, not stressed!"

Usually, people experiencing the stress of public speaking assume it's that obvious to their audience. But the fact is that they, in many cases, look more bored with their presentation or speech rather than anxious.

Why?

You may focus all your attention on the stress you're feeling and forget to connect to the content you supposedly aim your audience to connect to. Losing that connection could cost us losing our audience's attention and not achieving our end objectives.

Two speakers could deliver the same topic, but the main difference that could distinguish one from another is how they feel About what they are saying.

Now the question is, what other reasons besides focusing on your stress could influence giving that enthusiastic performance you aim for?

1) You deliver content that you didn't prepare.

At corporates, many assume they must deliver the requested content precisely as is. For example, if they were pitching for a new customer or representing the company at an event. But the thing is, you can agree with your manager on what to avoid saying, the main elements that you must, and the overall image that needs to appear to the external parties. But the rest should be all yours. You can deliver the same variables but in your way.

I also see this with executives who deliver the same speech content the PR agency offers. In contrast, the content style has to be changed to match the spokesperson's style and vocabulary.

2) You don't include your perspective.

One essential element that I've always stressed is adding your perspective to what you're talking about. Your audience will only be persuaded by your content if they see that you're the right person to deliver it. That's why adding your perspective could help sustain your credibility as an expert on that topic and connect the audience to you as a person.

3) You don't add personal experiences.

Something happens to people when they share facts through personal experiences instead of mentioning them as is: They literally shine! This is a great way to involve all your senses when talking to an audience and will also positively influence your audience's memory of your message.

4) You are here for the wrong "Why."

If you're delivering your speech, presentation, or panel talk because you have to, were told to, or because it's a common ritual, the success of your speaking opportunity is not guaranteed. These should never be your only reasons.

It would be best to remind yourself how this opportunity can positively influence your career, showcase your work or team's effort, help others through your knowledge and expertise, or be another valuable practice for your public speaking skills.

Being in that speaking opportunity for the right "why" can transform your content and overall performance.

So next time you assume you look anxious, video record yourself and ask: Does this person in the video look and sound interested in their own topic? If the answer is no, your bigger obstacle isn't being stressed; it's being bored.