🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 110 (from laksa160)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa110.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.finchcommunications.com/be-present/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.finchcommunications.com/be-present/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/be-present\/","crawl_time":1774087413,"first_indexed_time":1542359299,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,finchcommunications!www,\/be-present\/ s443","src_root_hash":"16311258721300451110","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Presenting? Be Present.","meta_descriptions":["If you find yourself speaking in front of a group, your ability to be present and focused on what's happening in the moment can make the difference between truly connecting with the audience and experiencing the panic of the mental blank page."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Preparing to give a presentation? Keep this tip in mind: stay present.\nAsk anyone who speaks in front of an audience what one of their worst nightmares is, and they’ll likely tell you it’s not knowing what they’re going to say next.\nThis panic-inducing phenomenon can happen any time you’re speaking in front of a group. You could be giving a presentation, teaching a class, or leading a meeting. Things are moving along quite nicely, and wham! You lose your place, forget what comes next, or experience the equivalent of a mental blank page. And it can happen to anyone, no matter how prepared you are.\nThe way to combat that mental blank page is to strengthen your ability to stay focused entirely on the here and now.\nBeing present is what many speakers strive for. It’s that nearly-magical state where you are completely and totally focused on what’s happening in that particular instant, and you’re responding without depending on premeditated thought. Even though you may have rehearsed, practiced, or memorized for hours, it appears to an audience – and it feels to you – like it’s the first time it’s ever happened. That paradox – spontaneous preparation – depends on your ability to stay present and not be distracted by what’s going on around you or the steady stream of thoughts racing through your mind.\nBeing On Stage – And Going Blank\nYou can also experience the terror of blanking when you’re an actor. In theatre terms, forgetting your lines is called “going up.” And boy, did I go up recently.\nI was performing in a play, going through a scene I’d done a thousand times without a hitch. For a split second, I became distracted by the audience. I lost focus and let my mind wander – and with horror, quickly realized that I HAD NO IDEA WHAT CAME NEXT.\nTo say that I panicked was an understatement. If you’ve ever blanked in front of an audience, you know how terrible this moment is. Time slowed down, my heart rate went up, and my stomach knotted in fear.\nWhile all of this was happening, I looked at my fellow actors with what I was later told was a “deer in the headlights” face. They realized what was going on and without missing more than a couple of beats, moved the scene along with another line.\nThis prompt was enough to help me lock into where we were, and we finished the scene (and the performance) without another noticeable mishap.\nIn looking back, I can pinpoint the precise moment when I set myself up for disaster. I lost my place when I allowed myself to be taken out of the present moment by a disruption in the audience.\nHow do you become better at being present?\nMeditation is a wonderful way to become better at not letting distractions take you out of the moment. To strengthen your ability to be present, you can practice a simple form of meditation for a few minutes each day.\nSit comfortably.\nBring your attention to your breath.\nNotice the sensations you’re feeling, the thoughts that float through your mind, or the external sounds you hear.\nWhen your attention wanders, refocus on your breath.\nIt’s not about clearing your mind, although that can happen. The practice of redirecting your attention despite other interruptions is how you become better able to stay focused on the present moment.\nMeditating for just a couple of minutes a day can benefit you. Research is showing that regular practice can boost your mood, your health, and your longevity. Being able to stay present can also improve your communication skills. You’ll be able to listen actively to others, respond appropriately in the moment, and be able to manage your emotions when things start to get heated.\nThe times when I’ve found it most rewarding to be in front of a group, whether I was speaking, facilitating, teaching, or performing, have been the times when I’ve been completely present. In these moments, I can experience the give and take of the group. I can plug into the energy of the room. I can experience the joy of truly connecting with others. And I can count on knowing exactly what to say next.\nDo you meditate or have another form of mindfulness practice? Share your experiences here!","attrs_markdown":"[(412) 423-8395](tel:14124238395) [\\[email protected\\]](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/cdn-cgi\/l\/email-protection#84efe5f0ecedc4e2edeae7ece7ebe9e9f1eaede7e5f0edebeaf7aae7ebe9)\n\n- [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/KathiFinchSpeaker)\n- [Twitter](https:\/\/twitter.com\/finch_solutions)\n- [LinkedIn](http:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/pub\/kathi-finch\/1\/992\/652)\n- [YouTube](https:\/\/youtu.be\/jSxkT4thpuI)\n\n- [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/KathiFinchSpeaker)\n- [Twitter](https:\/\/twitter.com\/finch_solutions)\n- [LinkedIn](http:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/pub\/kathi-finch\/1\/992\/652)\n- [YouTube](https:\/\/youtu.be\/jSxkT4thpuI)\n\n[![Finch Communications](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/finchcommunications-logo-1.png)](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/)\n\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/)\n- [Services](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/services\/)\n  - [Training](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/services\/training\/)\n  - [Keynote\/Breakout](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/services\/keynote-breakout\/)\n  - [Coaching](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/services\/coaching\/)\n- [Meet Kathi](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/meet-kathi\/)\n- [Testimonials](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/testimonials\/)\n- [Blog](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/blog\/)\n- [Contact](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/contact\/)\n  - [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/privacy-policy\/)\n\nSelect Page\n\n# Presenting? Be Present.\n[Communication](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/category\/communication\/)\n\n![Woman meditating on her desk](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Woman-meditating-on-her-desk.jpg)\n\nPreparing to give a presentation? Keep this tip in mind: stay present.\n\nAsk anyone who speaks in front of an audience what one of their worst nightmares is, and they’ll likely tell you it’s not knowing what they’re going to say next.\n\nThis panic-inducing phenomenon can happen any time you’re speaking in front of a group. You could be giving a presentation, teaching a class, or leading a meeting. Things are moving along quite nicely, and wham! You lose your place, forget what comes next, or experience the equivalent of a mental blank page. And it can happen to anyone, no matter how prepared you are.\n\nThe way to combat that mental blank page is to strengthen your ability to stay focused entirely on the here and now.\n\nBeing present is what many speakers strive for. It’s that nearly-magical state where you are completely and totally focused on what’s happening in that particular instant, and you’re responding without depending on premeditated thought. Even though you may have rehearsed, practiced, or memorized for hours, it appears to an audience – and it feels to you – like it’s the first time it’s ever happened. That paradox – spontaneous preparation – depends on your ability to stay present and not be distracted by what’s going on around you or the steady stream of thoughts racing through your mind.\n\n***Being On Stage – And Going Blank***\n\nYou can also experience the terror of blanking when you’re an actor. In theatre terms, forgetting your lines is called “going up.” And boy, did I go up recently.\n\nI was performing in a play, going through a scene I’d done a thousand times without a hitch. For a split second, I became distracted by the audience. I lost focus and let my mind wander – and with horror, quickly realized that I HAD NO IDEA WHAT CAME NEXT.\n\nTo say that I panicked was an understatement. If you’ve ever blanked in front of an audience, you know how terrible this moment is. Time slowed down, my heart rate went up, and my stomach knotted in fear.\n\nWhile all of this was happening, I looked at my fellow actors with what I was later told was a “deer in the headlights” face. They realized what was going on and without missing more than a couple of beats, moved the scene along with another line.\n\nThis prompt was enough to help me lock into where we were, and we finished the scene (and the performance) without another noticeable mishap.\n\nIn looking back, I can pinpoint the precise moment when I set myself up for disaster. I lost my place when I allowed myself to be taken out of the present moment by a disruption in the audience.\n\n***How do you become better at being present?***\n\nMeditation is a wonderful way to become better at not letting distractions take you out of the moment. To strengthen your ability to be present, you can practice a simple form of meditation for a few minutes each day.\n\n- Sit comfortably.\n- Bring your attention to your breath.\n- Notice the sensations you’re feeling, the thoughts that float through your mind, or the external sounds you hear.\n- When your attention wanders, refocus on your breath.\n\nIt’s not about clearing your mind, although that can happen. The practice of redirecting your attention despite other interruptions is how you become better able to stay focused on the present moment.\n\nMeditating for just a couple of minutes a day can benefit you. Research is showing that regular practice can boost your mood, your health, and your longevity. Being able to stay present can also improve your communication skills. You’ll be able to listen actively to others, respond appropriately in the moment, and be able to manage your emotions when things start to get heated.\n\nThe times when I’ve found it most rewarding to be in front of a group, whether I was speaking, facilitating, teaching, or performing, have been the times when I’ve been completely present. In these moments, I can experience the give and take of the group. I can plug into the energy of the room. I can experience the joy of truly connecting with others. And I can count on knowing exactly what to say next.\n\n*Do you meditate or have another form of mindfulness practice? Share your experiences here\\!*\n\n#### Get “7 Tips for Handling Difficult Situations at Work”\n![Free whitepaper](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/01\/whitepaper.png)\n\nSign up for my e-newsletter and get my white paper about handling difficult situations at work - yours free\\!\n\nMy newsletter will give you tips to build your confidence & strategies to handle challenging conversations.\n\n#### Recent Posts\n- [Lost in Translation: Communicating Across Cultures](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/lost-in-translation-how-to-communicate-across-cultures\/)\n- [What Would Jim Do?: Dealing with Office Frustration](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/dealing-with-office-frustration\/)\n- [Growth Mindset: No More Fear of Feedback](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/growth-mindset-no-more-fear-of-feedback\/)\n- [Building Trust on a Team](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/building-trust\/)\n- [We Need to Talk: 4 Steps to Resolve Conflict](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/we-need-to-talk-4-steps-to-resolve-conflict\/)\n\n#### Recent Comments\n- [Arend](https:\/\/tz.mpmn-digital.com\/) on [Team Building: Strategies for Success](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/team-building-strategies-success\/#comment-1194)\n- Paul Tautkus on [What Would Jim Do?: Dealing with Office Frustration](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/dealing-with-office-frustration\/#comment-1127)\n- Kathi on [Emotional Intelligence and Communication](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/emotional-intelligence-communication\/#comment-838)\n- Jasmin Calderon on [Emotional Intelligence and Communication](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/emotional-intelligence-communication\/#comment-837)\n- Kathi on [How to Talk Politics with the Other Side](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/talk-politics\/#comment-462)\n\n#### Categories\n- [Communication](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/category\/communication\/)\n\n#### Tags\n[advocate](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/advocate\/) [assertive communication](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/assertive-communication\/) [building trust](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/building-trust\/) [business communication](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/business-communication\/) [business networking](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/business-networking\/) [change](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/change\/) [communication](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/communication\/) [communication skills](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/communication-skills\/) [communication strategies](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/communication-strategies\/) [conflict](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/conflict\/) [conflict resolution](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/conflict-resolution\/) [cross-cultural communication](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/cross-cultural-communication\/) [difficult conversation](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/difficult-conversation\/) [difficult conversations](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/difficult-conversations\/) [effective communication](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/effective-communication\/) [emotional intelligence](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/emotional-intelligence\/) [feedback](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/feedback\/) [filler words](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/filler-words\/) [growth mindset](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/growth-mindset\/) [managing emotions](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/managing-emotions\/) [negotiation](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/negotiation\/) [networking](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/networking\/) [nonviolent communication](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/nonviolent-communication\/) [persuasive presentations](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/persuasive-presentations\/) [positive outlook](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/positive-outlook\/) [powerful presentations](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/powerful-presentations\/) [presentations](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/presentations\/) [presentation skills](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/presentation-skills\/) [proactive communication](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/proactive-communication\/) [public speaking](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/public-speaking\/) [Remote teams](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/remote-teams\/) [resolve conflict](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/resolve-conflict\/) [sales calls](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/sales-calls\/) [silence](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/silence\/) [speak confidently](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/speak-confidently\/) [team building](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/team-building\/) [teambuilding](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/teambuilding\/) [teamwork](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/teamwork\/) [Technology](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/technology\/) [tough conversations](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/tough-conversations\/) [trust](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/trust\/) [workplace communication](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/workplace-communication\/) [workplace teams](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/workplace-teams\/) [work relationships](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/work-relationships\/) [writing](https:\/\/www.finchcommunications.com\/tag\/writing\/)\n\n- [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/KathiFinchSpeaker)\n- [Twitter](https:\/\/twitter.com\/finch_solutions)\n- [LinkedIn](http:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/pub\/kathi-finch\/1\/992\/652)\n- [YouTube](https:\/\/youtu.be\/jSxkT4thpuI)\n\n[Website Design, Hosting, and Management](https:\/\/www.37solutions.com\/?utm_source=finchcommunications&utm_medium=footer&utm_campaign=referral \"37SOLUTIONS Website Design, Hosting, and Management\") by 37SOLUTIONS, LLC","attrs_readable_markdown":"Preparing to give a presentation? Keep this tip in mind: stay present.\n\nAsk anyone who speaks in front of an audience what one of their worst nightmares is, and they’ll likely tell you it’s not knowing what they’re going to say next.\n\nThis panic-inducing phenomenon can happen any time you’re speaking in front of a group. You could be giving a presentation, teaching a class, or leading a meeting. Things are moving along quite nicely, and wham! You lose your place, forget what comes next, or experience the equivalent of a mental blank page. And it can happen to anyone, no matter how prepared you are.\n\nThe way to combat that mental blank page is to strengthen your ability to stay focused entirely on the here and now.\n\nBeing present is what many speakers strive for. It’s that nearly-magical state where you are completely and totally focused on what’s happening in that particular instant, and you’re responding without depending on premeditated thought. Even though you may have rehearsed, practiced, or memorized for hours, it appears to an audience – and it feels to you – like it’s the first time it’s ever happened. That paradox – spontaneous preparation – depends on your ability to stay present and not be distracted by what’s going on around you or the steady stream of thoughts racing through your mind.\n\n***Being On Stage – And Going Blank***\n\nYou can also experience the terror of blanking when you’re an actor. In theatre terms, forgetting your lines is called “going up.” And boy, did I go up recently.\n\nI was performing in a play, going through a scene I’d done a thousand times without a hitch. For a split second, I became distracted by the audience. I lost focus and let my mind wander – and with horror, quickly realized that I HAD NO IDEA WHAT CAME NEXT.\n\nTo say that I panicked was an understatement. If you’ve ever blanked in front of an audience, you know how terrible this moment is. Time slowed down, my heart rate went up, and my stomach knotted in fear.\n\nWhile all of this was happening, I looked at my fellow actors with what I was later told was a “deer in the headlights” face. They realized what was going on and without missing more than a couple of beats, moved the scene along with another line.\n\nThis prompt was enough to help me lock into where we were, and we finished the scene (and the performance) without another noticeable mishap.\n\nIn looking back, I can pinpoint the precise moment when I set myself up for disaster. I lost my place when I allowed myself to be taken out of the present moment by a disruption in the audience.\n\n***How do you become better at being present?***\n\nMeditation is a wonderful way to become better at not letting distractions take you out of the moment. To strengthen your ability to be present, you can practice a simple form of meditation for a few minutes each day.\n\n- Sit comfortably.\n- Bring your attention to your breath.\n- Notice the sensations you’re feeling, the thoughts that float through your mind, or the external sounds you hear.\n- When your attention wanders, refocus on your breath.\n\nIt’s not about clearing your mind, although that can happen. The practice of redirecting your attention despite other interruptions is how you become better able to stay focused on the present moment.\n\nMeditating for just a couple of minutes a day can benefit you. Research is showing that regular practice can boost your mood, your health, and your longevity. Being able to stay present can also improve your communication skills. You’ll be able to listen actively to others, respond appropriately in the moment, and be able to manage your emotions when things start to get heated.\n\nThe times when I’ve found it most rewarding to be in front of a group, whether I was speaking, facilitating, teaching, or performing, have been the times when I’ve been completely present. In these moments, I can experience the give and take of the group. I can plug into the energy of the room. I can experience the joy of truly connecting with others. And I can count on knowing exactly what to say next.\n\n*Do you meditate or have another form of mindfulness practice? Share your experiences here\\!*","meta_canonical":null}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:

Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

27 days ago

🤖

ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	0.9 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property	Value
URL	https://www.finchcommunications.com/be-present/
Last Crawled	2026-03-21 10:03:33 (27 days ago)
First Indexed	2018-11-16 09:08:19 (7 years ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	Presenting? Be Present.
Meta Description	If you find yourself speaking in front of a group, your ability to be present and focused on what's happening in the moment can make the difference between truly connecting with the audience and experiencing the panic of the mental blank page.
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	Preparing to give a presentation? Keep this tip in mind: stay present. Ask anyone who speaks in front of an audience what one of their worst nightmares is, and they’ll likely tell you it’s not knowing what they’re going to say next. This panic-inducing phenomenon can happen any time you’re speaking in front of a group. You could be giving a presentation, teaching a class, or leading a meeting. Things are moving along quite nicely, and wham! You lose your place, forget what comes next, or experience the equivalent of a mental blank page. And it can happen to anyone, no matter how prepared you are. The way to combat that mental blank page is to strengthen your ability to stay focused entirely on the here and now. Being present is what many speakers strive for. It’s that nearly-magical state where you are completely and totally focused on what’s happening in that particular instant, and you’re responding without depending on premeditated thought. Even though you may have rehearsed, practiced, or memorized for hours, it appears to an audience – and it feels to you – like it’s the first time it’s ever happened. That paradox – spontaneous preparation – depends on your ability to stay present and not be distracted by what’s going on around you or the steady stream of thoughts racing through your mind. Being On Stage – And Going Blank You can also experience the terror of blanking when you’re an actor. In theatre terms, forgetting your lines is called “going up.” And boy, did I go up recently. I was performing in a play, going through a scene I’d done a thousand times without a hitch. For a split second, I became distracted by the audience. I lost focus and let my mind wander – and with horror, quickly realized that I HAD NO IDEA WHAT CAME NEXT. To say that I panicked was an understatement. If you’ve ever blanked in front of an audience, you know how terrible this moment is. Time slowed down, my heart rate went up, and my stomach knotted in fear. While all of this was happening, I looked at my fellow actors with what I was later told was a “deer in the headlights” face. They realized what was going on and without missing more than a couple of beats, moved the scene along with another line. This prompt was enough to help me lock into where we were, and we finished the scene (and the performance) without another noticeable mishap. In looking back, I can pinpoint the precise moment when I set myself up for disaster. I lost my place when I allowed myself to be taken out of the present moment by a disruption in the audience. How do you become better at being present? Meditation is a wonderful way to become better at not letting distractions take you out of the moment. To strengthen your ability to be present, you can practice a simple form of meditation for a few minutes each day. Sit comfortably. Bring your attention to your breath. Notice the sensations you’re feeling, the thoughts that float through your mind, or the external sounds you hear. When your attention wanders, refocus on your breath. It’s not about clearing your mind, although that can happen. The practice of redirecting your attention despite other interruptions is how you become better able to stay focused on the present moment. Meditating for just a couple of minutes a day can benefit you. Research is showing that regular practice can boost your mood, your health, and your longevity. Being able to stay present can also improve your communication skills. You’ll be able to listen actively to others, respond appropriately in the moment, and be able to manage your emotions when things start to get heated. The times when I’ve found it most rewarding to be in front of a group, whether I was speaking, facilitating, teaching, or performing, have been the times when I’ve been completely present. In these moments, I can experience the give and take of the group. I can plug into the energy of the room. I can experience the joy of truly connecting with others. And I can count on knowing exactly what to say next. Do you meditate or have another form of mindfulness practice? Share your experiences here!
Markdown	[(412) 423-8395](tel:14124238395) [\[email protected\]](https://www.finchcommunications.com/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#84efe5f0ecedc4e2edeae7ece7ebe9e9f1eaede7e5f0edebeaf7aae7ebe9) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/KathiFinchSpeaker) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/finch_solutions) - [LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kathi-finch/1/992/652) - [YouTube](https://youtu.be/jSxkT4thpuI) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/KathiFinchSpeaker) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/finch_solutions) - [LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kathi-finch/1/992/652) - [YouTube](https://youtu.be/jSxkT4thpuI) [![Finch Communications](https://www.finchcommunications.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/finchcommunications-logo-1.png)](https://www.finchcommunications.com/) - [Home](https://www.finchcommunications.com/) - [Services](https://www.finchcommunications.com/services/) - [Training](https://www.finchcommunications.com/services/training/) - [Keynote/Breakout](https://www.finchcommunications.com/services/keynote-breakout/) - [Coaching](https://www.finchcommunications.com/services/coaching/) - [Meet Kathi](https://www.finchcommunications.com/meet-kathi/) - [Testimonials](https://www.finchcommunications.com/testimonials/) - [Blog](https://www.finchcommunications.com/blog/) - [Contact](https://www.finchcommunications.com/contact/) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.finchcommunications.com/privacy-policy/) Select Page # Presenting? Be Present. [Communication](https://www.finchcommunications.com/category/communication/) ![Woman meditating on her desk](https://www.finchcommunications.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Woman-meditating-on-her-desk.jpg) Preparing to give a presentation? Keep this tip in mind: stay present. Ask anyone who speaks in front of an audience what one of their worst nightmares is, and they’ll likely tell you it’s not knowing what they’re going to say next. This panic-inducing phenomenon can happen any time you’re speaking in front of a group. You could be giving a presentation, teaching a class, or leading a meeting. Things are moving along quite nicely, and wham! You lose your place, forget what comes next, or experience the equivalent of a mental blank page. And it can happen to anyone, no matter how prepared you are. The way to combat that mental blank page is to strengthen your ability to stay focused entirely on the here and now. Being present is what many speakers strive for. It’s that nearly-magical state where you are completely and totally focused on what’s happening in that particular instant, and you’re responding without depending on premeditated thought. Even though you may have rehearsed, practiced, or memorized for hours, it appears to an audience – and it feels to you – like it’s the first time it’s ever happened. That paradox – spontaneous preparation – depends on your ability to stay present and not be distracted by what’s going on around you or the steady stream of thoughts racing through your mind. *Being On Stage – And Going Blank* You can also experience the terror of blanking when you’re an actor. In theatre terms, forgetting your lines is called “going up.” And boy, did I go up recently. I was performing in a play, going through a scene I’d done a thousand times without a hitch. For a split second, I became distracted by the audience. I lost focus and let my mind wander – and with horror, quickly realized that I HAD NO IDEA WHAT CAME NEXT. To say that I panicked was an understatement. If you’ve ever blanked in front of an audience, you know how terrible this moment is. Time slowed down, my heart rate went up, and my stomach knotted in fear. While all of this was happening, I looked at my fellow actors with what I was later told was a “deer in the headlights” face. They realized what was going on and without missing more than a couple of beats, moved the scene along with another line. This prompt was enough to help me lock into where we were, and we finished the scene (and the performance) without another noticeable mishap. In looking back, I can pinpoint the precise moment when I set myself up for disaster. I lost my place when I allowed myself to be taken out of the present moment by a disruption in the audience. *How do you become better at being present?* Meditation is a wonderful way to become better at not letting distractions take you out of the moment. To strengthen your ability to be present, you can practice a simple form of meditation for a few minutes each day. - Sit comfortably. - Bring your attention to your breath. - Notice the sensations you’re feeling, the thoughts that float through your mind, or the external sounds you hear. - When your attention wanders, refocus on your breath. It’s not about clearing your mind, although that can happen. The practice of redirecting your attention despite other interruptions is how you become better able to stay focused on the present moment. Meditating for just a couple of minutes a day can benefit you. Research is showing that regular practice can boost your mood, your health, and your longevity. Being able to stay present can also improve your communication skills. You’ll be able to listen actively to others, respond appropriately in the moment, and be able to manage your emotions when things start to get heated. The times when I’ve found it most rewarding to be in front of a group, whether I was speaking, facilitating, teaching, or performing, have been the times when I’ve been completely present. In these moments, I can experience the give and take of the group. I can plug into the energy of the room. I can experience the joy of truly connecting with others. And I can count on knowing exactly what to say next. Do you meditate or have another form of mindfulness practice? Share your experiences here\! #### Get “7 Tips for Handling Difficult Situations at Work” ![Free whitepaper](https://www.finchcommunications.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/whitepaper.png) Sign up for my e-newsletter and get my white paper about handling difficult situations at work - yours free\! My newsletter will give you tips to build your confidence & strategies to handle challenging conversations. #### Recent Posts - [Lost in Translation: Communicating Across Cultures](https://www.finchcommunications.com/lost-in-translation-how-to-communicate-across-cultures/) - [What Would Jim Do?: Dealing with Office Frustration](https://www.finchcommunications.com/dealing-with-office-frustration/) - [Growth Mindset: No More Fear of Feedback](https://www.finchcommunications.com/growth-mindset-no-more-fear-of-feedback/) - [Building Trust on a Team](https://www.finchcommunications.com/building-trust/) - [We Need to Talk: 4 Steps to Resolve Conflict](https://www.finchcommunications.com/we-need-to-talk-4-steps-to-resolve-conflict/) #### Recent Comments - [Arend](https://tz.mpmn-digital.com/) on [Team Building: Strategies for Success](https://www.finchcommunications.com/team-building-strategies-success/#comment-1194) - Paul Tautkus on [What Would Jim Do?: Dealing with Office Frustration](https://www.finchcommunications.com/dealing-with-office-frustration/#comment-1127) - Kathi on [Emotional Intelligence and Communication](https://www.finchcommunications.com/emotional-intelligence-communication/#comment-838) - Jasmin Calderon on [Emotional Intelligence and Communication](https://www.finchcommunications.com/emotional-intelligence-communication/#comment-837) - Kathi on [How to Talk Politics with the Other Side](https://www.finchcommunications.com/talk-politics/#comment-462) #### Categories - [Communication](https://www.finchcommunications.com/category/communication/) #### Tags [advocate](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/advocate/) [assertive communication](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/assertive-communication/) [building trust](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/building-trust/) [business communication](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/business-communication/) [business networking](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/business-networking/) [change](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/change/) [communication](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/communication/) [communication skills](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/communication-skills/) [communication strategies](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/communication-strategies/) [conflict](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/conflict/) [conflict resolution](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/conflict-resolution/) [cross-cultural communication](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/cross-cultural-communication/) [difficult conversation](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/difficult-conversation/) [difficult conversations](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/difficult-conversations/) [effective communication](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/effective-communication/) [emotional intelligence](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/emotional-intelligence/) [feedback](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/feedback/) [filler words](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/filler-words/) [growth mindset](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/growth-mindset/) [managing emotions](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/managing-emotions/) [negotiation](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/negotiation/) [networking](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/networking/) [nonviolent communication](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/nonviolent-communication/) [persuasive presentations](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/persuasive-presentations/) [positive outlook](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/positive-outlook/) [powerful presentations](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/powerful-presentations/) [presentations](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/presentations/) [presentation skills](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/presentation-skills/) [proactive communication](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/proactive-communication/) [public speaking](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/public-speaking/) [Remote teams](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/remote-teams/) [resolve conflict](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/resolve-conflict/) [sales calls](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/sales-calls/) [silence](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/silence/) [speak confidently](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/speak-confidently/) [team building](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/team-building/) [teambuilding](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/teambuilding/) [teamwork](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/teamwork/) [Technology](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/technology/) [tough conversations](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/tough-conversations/) [trust](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/trust/) [workplace communication](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/workplace-communication/) [workplace teams](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/workplace-teams/) [work relationships](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/work-relationships/) [writing](https://www.finchcommunications.com/tag/writing/) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/KathiFinchSpeaker) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/finch_solutions) - [LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kathi-finch/1/992/652) - [YouTube](https://youtu.be/jSxkT4thpuI) [Website Design, Hosting, and Management](https://www.37solutions.com/?utm_source=finchcommunications&utm_medium=footer&utm_campaign=referral "37SOLUTIONS Website Design, Hosting, and Management") by 37SOLUTIONS, LLC
Readable Markdown	Preparing to give a presentation? Keep this tip in mind: stay present. Ask anyone who speaks in front of an audience what one of their worst nightmares is, and they’ll likely tell you it’s not knowing what they’re going to say next. This panic-inducing phenomenon can happen any time you’re speaking in front of a group. You could be giving a presentation, teaching a class, or leading a meeting. Things are moving along quite nicely, and wham! You lose your place, forget what comes next, or experience the equivalent of a mental blank page. And it can happen to anyone, no matter how prepared you are. The way to combat that mental blank page is to strengthen your ability to stay focused entirely on the here and now. Being present is what many speakers strive for. It’s that nearly-magical state where you are completely and totally focused on what’s happening in that particular instant, and you’re responding without depending on premeditated thought. Even though you may have rehearsed, practiced, or memorized for hours, it appears to an audience – and it feels to you – like it’s the first time it’s ever happened. That paradox – spontaneous preparation – depends on your ability to stay present and not be distracted by what’s going on around you or the steady stream of thoughts racing through your mind. *Being On Stage – And Going Blank* You can also experience the terror of blanking when you’re an actor. In theatre terms, forgetting your lines is called “going up.” And boy, did I go up recently. I was performing in a play, going through a scene I’d done a thousand times without a hitch. For a split second, I became distracted by the audience. I lost focus and let my mind wander – and with horror, quickly realized that I HAD NO IDEA WHAT CAME NEXT. To say that I panicked was an understatement. If you’ve ever blanked in front of an audience, you know how terrible this moment is. Time slowed down, my heart rate went up, and my stomach knotted in fear. While all of this was happening, I looked at my fellow actors with what I was later told was a “deer in the headlights” face. They realized what was going on and without missing more than a couple of beats, moved the scene along with another line. This prompt was enough to help me lock into where we were, and we finished the scene (and the performance) without another noticeable mishap. In looking back, I can pinpoint the precise moment when I set myself up for disaster. I lost my place when I allowed myself to be taken out of the present moment by a disruption in the audience. *How do you become better at being present?* Meditation is a wonderful way to become better at not letting distractions take you out of the moment. To strengthen your ability to be present, you can practice a simple form of meditation for a few minutes each day. - Sit comfortably. - Bring your attention to your breath. - Notice the sensations you’re feeling, the thoughts that float through your mind, or the external sounds you hear. - When your attention wanders, refocus on your breath. It’s not about clearing your mind, although that can happen. The practice of redirecting your attention despite other interruptions is how you become better able to stay focused on the present moment. Meditating for just a couple of minutes a day can benefit you. Research is showing that regular practice can boost your mood, your health, and your longevity. Being able to stay present can also improve your communication skills. You’ll be able to listen actively to others, respond appropriately in the moment, and be able to manage your emotions when things start to get heated. The times when I’ve found it most rewarding to be in front of a group, whether I was speaking, facilitating, teaching, or performing, have been the times when I’ve been completely present. In these moments, I can experience the give and take of the group. I can plug into the energy of the room. I can experience the joy of truly connecting with others. And I can count on knowing exactly what to say next. Do you meditate or have another form of mindfulness practice? Share your experiences here\!
Shard	110 (laksa)
Root Hash	16311258721300451110
Unparsed URL	com,finchcommunications!www,/be-present/ s443