Top Highlights

• it reliably generates stress markers such as a faster heart rate, raised cortisol levels, and “enhanced skin conductance,” which is the polite way of saying sweaty palms
• we can reduce our nerves by preparing well for our presentations
• “I know my slides. I’m on top of the numbers and I’ve practiced my anecdotes. But I don’t look forward to the Q&A. I don’t know what people are going to ask, so I worry I won’t have a good answer for their questions. Or worse, that I’ll say something dumb.”
• When we’re asked a tough question and we’re not sure how to respond, it can make us feel like we’ve lost control of the situation
• To allow yourself to think more clearly and creatively when faced with questions that aren’t easy to answer, you need to reduce the sense of threat and give yourself back a sense of control.

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