Final answer:
Dylan can manage his fight-or-flight response by understanding it as a preparation for challenge, practicing relaxation techniques, and thorough preparation of his presentation to build confidence and reduce stress.
Step-by-step explanation:
To help Dylan flip his stress response from ‘flight’ to ‘fight’ in the situation of an oral presentation, Dylan could utilize several techniques. The anticipation of public speaking often triggers the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body to respond to stress through the fight-or-flight response. This response causes physical symptoms like sweating, increased heart rate, and butterflies in the stomach, as the body gets ready for either facing the threat or escaping it.
Understanding the physiological changes in his body that accompany the fight-or-flight response enables Dylan to recognize these symptoms as a natural preparation for a challenging situation rather than something to fear. Dylan can reframe the situation as a challenge to overcome rather than a threat to avoid. Strategies like deep breathing, positive visualization, and systematic desensitization can help in managing his stress levels, while preparation and practice can build confidence. With these techniques, Dylan can harness his body’s natural response to stress and transform it into energy to deliver a powerful presentation.