From Chaos to Command: The Pre-Event Ritual That Anchors Your Power

You’re minutes away from starting your live virtual event.
Your slides are polished, your hair is cooperating (for once), and everything seems good to go - until your audio ghosts you.

Cue the internal scream.

If you’ve ever faced tech chaos right before going live, you know it’s a special kind of panic - especially when you’re juggling an ADHD brain, a dozen open tabs, and a heart racing like it’s powered by espresso.

The irony? 

Most of that chaos is completely preventable-with a little ritualized magic.

The secret isn’t more tech. 

It’s confidence-built through consistency.

Let’s walk through a simple, empowering checklist to help you show up grounded, focused, and camera-ready-so you can deliver your brilliance without the background noise (literal or figurative).

Set the Stage: Physical & Digital Environment

What this is:
Before you press “record” or hit “Go Live,” take a moment to shape your space - both what your audience sees and what your brain navigates behind the scenes.

Why it matters:
Your environment is more than a backdrop-it’s an energetic co-host. For ADHD minds, visual clutter and digital noise can derail your focus fast. A messy desk? You’re now hyper-fixated on that Post-it. Ten open tabs? You’re halfway down a rabbit hole. A calm, intentional space tells your nervous system: we’re safe, we’re ready, we’re in our power.

How to apply it (real-talk edition):

Tidy what’s visible. Not Pinterest - perfect, just aligned with your energy. Intentional colors, one plant, soft light. Skip the laundry pile.

Or use a virtual background - authentic, not artificial. Stick with something calming, branded, or inspiring. No overly fake beach scenes.

Check your frame and lighting. Camera at eye level. Soft light from the front. View your screen like a guest would. Would you want to hang out with you?

Close every tab that’s not essential. Yes, even that sale. Even your inbox. They’re energy leaks.

Silence notifications. Your audience doesn’t need to know what your group chat thinks about brunch.

Grab water. Maybe a mint. Stay hydrated. Ground your senses. Little rituals create a big presence.

In the final minutes before going live, adjust one small thing in your space - fluff a pillow, straighten a frame, light a candle. Doesn’t have to be productive. It just has to say: I’m here now.

Run a Full Tech Test (Don’t Skip This!)

What this is:
Your pre-show dress rehearsal. Audio, video, slides, lighting, platform, Wi-Fi - the works. Yes, even if it worked yesterday.

Why it matters:
Because the one time you don’t test is the day your mic routes to your AirPods… which are in the other room. A five - minute run - through prevents chaos and builds presence. You’ll breathe deeper, speak steadier, and lead stronger.

How to apply it (aka The Sanity Ritual):

Test mic + camera in the actual platform. Not just your webcam app. Check inside Zoom, or whichever streaming/meeting platform you are using. Bonus: record a test clip.

Run a mock session with a biz buddy. Share screen. Flip slides. Let them speak. You’re checking sound, yes - but also energy.

Check animations, video, and audio. If you’ve got transitions or multimedia, test every piece. Better now than live.

Restart your device. Clear digital cobwebs. Symbolically reset. Start fresh.

Test at the same time of day. 9 AM lighting ≠ 2 PM lighting. Mimic your event conditions.

Mini Story: I skipped my test once because I was running late. My mic defaulted to my webcam, and the first five minutes sounded like I was dialing in from a cave. It threw me off more than expected. My brain was in "how do I fix this" but I was still "live"! Now I treat tech checks like brushing my teeth...non-negotiable.

Testing isn’t about being paranoid. It’s being powerful. You’re not just checking gear - you’re owning your stage.

Backups on Standby: Plan B = Peace of Mind

What this is:
Your safety net. A backup plan for when tech decides to throw a tantrum.

Why it matters:
Backups calm your nervous system. They’re not signs of fear - they’re signs of leadership. When something wobbles (and it will), you pivot smoothly instead of spiraling.

How to apply it (aka Your Tech Emergency Toolkit):

Backup mic or earbuds within reach. If your main mic dies, you swap in seconds.

Phone hotspot prepped. Test it once. Know how to switch. Pro tip: have links ready on mobile too.

Slides and notes saved offline. Google Docs has offline mode - use it. Be ready to pivot even without visuals.

Assign a calm co-host/moderator. They handle chat, tech pivots, or even take over screen share.

Save key links in a folder. Replay page, product offer, feedback form - one click away if you need them.

It's not about fear - it’s about flow. 

Create Your “Go Live” Ritual

What this is:
A grounding moment that shifts you from prep mode to presence. A ritual - not a checklist.

Why it matters:
You’re not just presenting. You’re holding space. A ritual calms your nervous system, focuses your energy, and activates your voice.

How to apply it (Make It A Sacred Ritual):

5 deep breaths. Inhale confidence. Exhale tension.

Power pose. Stand tall. Shoulders back. You are here.

Anchor your opening line. No ad-libbing your first words. Lead with intention.

Visualize the energy you want to radiate. Warm? Bold? Wise? See it. Feel it. Be it.

Cue a sensory trigger. A candle, some music, a fidget ring. Make it your “on” switch.

Press “go live” on an exhale. Not a gasp. A grounded release.

Reminder: Your go live ritual doesn’t have to be fancy. It just has to be yours.

Soapbox Moment: Tech Isn’t the Star - You Are

What this is:
A mic - drop truth: people don’t show up for your tech - they show up for you.

Why it matters:
Too many brilliant women delay going live because their setup isn’t “perfect.” But perfection is a myth. Connection is the goal. Your presence will always matter more than your production quality.

How to apply it (Confidence over Cameras):

Pick tools that feel intuitive. No high stress platforms allowed.

Focus on connection, not perfection. A stumble won’t break trust - disconnection will.

Lead with presence. Your calm and clarity > your camera angle.

Start where you are. Basic mic. Good lighting. That’s all you need. Upgrade when you want to - not when fear tells you to.

Empowerment Truth Bomb:
You’re not putting on a show. You’re holding a space. There’s nothing more powerful than that.

Use a Visual or Written Checklist (Yes, Every Time)

What this is:
A reusable, repeatable checklist that walks you through your pre-event flow. Think of it as your co-pilot - not your crutch.

Why it matters:
Adrenaline fries memory. A checklist doesn’t just help you remember - it helps you relax. Especially for ADHD minds, structure is liberation.

How to apply it (Make Your Checklist Your Co-Pilot):

Post it where you can see it. Digital or physical - just visible.

Make it personal. Add timing, emojis, even affirmations.

Use it every time. Doesn’t matter how seasoned you are - consistency builds calm.

Sample 10 - Minute Countdown Checklist:

🟩  Restart device
🎙️  Plug in mic/light
🖥️  Test platform
🌿  Tidy background
❌  Close tabs
📂  Open slides
💧  Water + silence phone
💫  Ritual moment
🎥  Press record/go live
✨  Smile and slay

Quick Insight: I used to think checklists made me look amateur. Now I know they’re what make me look polished every single time.

You’re not forgetful - you’re intentional. Systems are what support your brilliance.

You’re Not Just “Going Live” - You’re Taking the Stage

You’ve cleared your space, tested your gear, lined up your backups, anchored your ritual, and followed your checklist.

Now… breathe.

You’re not just clicking a button. You’re stepping into your role as a guide, a leader, a light.

This isn’t about perfect tech or flawless flow.
It’s about presence. Clarity. Connection.

The checklist? That’s your warm-up band.
The ritual? Your spotlight cue.
The magic? That’s YOU - steady, powerful, and ready.

Final Magic Words:

If you ever catch yourself thinking, “I’m not ready,” pause and remember:

You don’t have to be perfect.
You just have to be present.
You’re not performing - you’re connecting.

Let’s keep building your stage - and your confidence.

👉 Follow me on LinkedIn for real talk, rituals, and strategy designed for women who are leading with heart and showing up on their own terms:
Claudine on LinkedIn

You’ve got this. I’m in your corner.