Personally, I came from an MMA background.

I had earned my black belt and then I got into Krav Maga. All my training in the past had been in a controlled environment.

Even when sparring we were always geared up and there was no real danger of life and death.

When I was put through the stress test in Krav Maga, the only thing that held up was my elbow strike. All else pretty much fell apart.

That’s when I realized I needed more work and practice.

This applies to public speaking and public engagement.

You need to put yourself in that scenario. Become familiar with the stressed based situation.

The more familiar you are with it, the better you’ll be able to respond and perform against the anxiety.

Stress and anxiety will always be there.

But, you’ll be better prepared because you’ve familiarized yourself with the landscape.