The impacts of a family dispute

Stress

Reading time of 15 min

December 18^th, 2025

Written by Francine Guinois

Can a family argument ruin your presentation? Here is why:

This morning, just before an important presentation, Thomas gets into an argument with his partner. “It’s not a big deal, I’ll just put it aside,” he tells himself. The result? His presentation lacks passion, his answers are less fluid and his usual charisma has vanished.

Here is what is really happening in your brain:
Your prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for cognitive performance, is overloaded by the emotional management of the argument. It can no longer fully focus on your presentation. Your nervous system stays in “alert” mode because of the unresolved conflict. This tension shows up as a less confident posture and a less convincing voice. Your cognitive load is already busy processing emotion. There is less mental space left for creative improvisation and connection with your audience.

The solution is not to ignore it:

Acknowledge: “I experienced tension this morning, I’m not at 100% today.”
Breathe: A few conscious breaths to calm the nervous system.
Adapt: Perhaps rely more on preparation than on improvisation today.

We are human. Our personal emotions color our work every day. Accepting that is already a better way to manage them.

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