How to Stay Calm in High-Stakes Meetings (When AI Can’t Help You)

Let’s think logically about what AI can and cannot do…

AI can build your deck, color-code your charts, and even draft your talking points with alarming confidence.

BUT…

When your name gets called in that high-stakes meeting, and every face turns toward you…

ChatGPT won’t stop your voice from shaking.

It won’t slow your heart rate.

And it definitely won’t stop you from panic-scrolling through your phone pretending to “find a file.”

That part?

That’s all human performance.

And that’s your competitive edge.

So…Why Do Smart Professionals Freeze Under Pressure???

Studies from Harvard and Stanford show that your IQ can drop by up to 13 points when you’re in a high-stress situation!!! This is the equivalent of losing a whole night of sleep.

What does this mean? 

You’re still brilliant. Your nervous system just isn’t convinced.

When adrenaline spikes, your body goes into fight, flight, or “oh no, please not me.”

Blood flow literally pulls away from the part of your brain responsible for logic and verbal recall.

THIS is HUMAN BIOLOGY people!

That’s why your ideas sound genius in your head… and like alphabet soup when you actually speak.

What Can YOU Do About It???

Here’s a 90-Second Reset Protocol (Executive Edition)

This is the same reset I teach my executive clients before boardroom negotiations and investor pitches:

✅ Step 1 – Reset Your System with Breath

✅ Step 2 – Ground Physically

✅ Step 3 – Interrupt the Spiral with Language

When we look at the science…YES, I always need to bring the science in to these discussions! 

Neuroscience says that…Naming your state reduces emotional intensity by up to 40%, according to UCLA research.

Your brain just wants acknowledgment like a dramatic coworker.

This is a strategy of Rinse and Repeat = Response Upgrade

The first time you do this protocol, it might feel forced and strange. By the tenth time? Your system responds before you even finish the breath.
That’s how you build calm on command…not through positive thinking, but by training your nervous system like a muscle.

NO ONE is born with these skills! I promise you! This is all learning in motion so get on board!

Do YOU Want My Exact Scripts for the Next Meeting?

I put together a free guide:
“5 Scripts to Stay Calm & Credible in High-Stakes Conversations.”

No fluff…just what to say, do, and breathe when the pressure hits.

Grab it here: https://www.jrsrmanagement.com/5-scripts-to-stay-calm-credible-in-high-stakes-conversations

My Final Thoughts

AI will keep getting faster.

But regulating your presence in the room? That’s still 100% human territory. 

IT’S ALL YOU!!!

And that’s where leaders are made.

No one is coming to save you…

 — Jennifer
Human Performance Strategist & Creator of The CLEAR Method™

 Three things to ALWAYS remember:

Be CONFIDENT!

Be EMPATHETIC!

AND ALWAYS HAVE PASSION!!!!