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"I don't like being in the spotlight"
Public speaking anxiety is common and can be traced back to prehistoric times when humans were threatened by predators. In response to this threat, the amygdala in the brain triggers the fight-or-flight response, which leads to feelings of stress and anxiety.
When speaking in front of a group, this response is triggered as the brain perceives the audience as a threat. To cope with this anxiety, people often avoid making eye contact with the audience and focus on other things, such as their slides or notes, to protect themselves from the perceived threat.
However, studies have shown that practicing generosity towards the audience can calm the amygdala and decrease anxiety.
To become a more generous speaker, it is helpful to start by thinking about the needs of the audience when preparing for a presentation and refocusing on those needs right before speaking. It is also helpful to actively listen and engage with the audience during the presentation.