3 Pre-Presentation Rituals To Help You Speak With Confidence
Presentations can be nerve-wracking, whether you’re speaking to a room full of people or leading a virtual meeting. But preparation goes beyond just knowing your material. It’s also about getting yourself physically and mentally ready to deliver your best.
Here are three practical pre-presentation rituals that will help you show up calm, confident, and in control:
1. Do a Tech + Mic check (Even if it’s “fine”)
Technical glitches are one of the biggest stressors during presentations, especially online. You might think “The last time I checked, everything worked perfectly”, but tech can be unpredictable.
Before you start, test your microphone, camera, slides, screen sharing, and internet connection. If you’re presenting in person, check the projector, clicker, and sound system.
Doing this last-minute check gives you a peace of mind and one less thing to worry about. Once you know your tech is solid, you can focus your energy on your message instead of potential glitches.
Pro Tip: Make this a ritual. Tech check, then a deep breath before yoku begin.
2. Move your body
Nervous energy often shows up as physical tension-tight shoulders, shaky hands, or shallow breathing. Movement can help release tension and boost your confidence.
Take a short walk, do some light stretches, or even try power poses (think hands on hips, standing tall) for a minute or two before your presentation. These movements increase blood flow and help you feel more grounded.
Shaking out your hands or doing star jumps might feel a bit silly, but they’re proven ways to reduce anxiety and boost your energy.
3. Time yourself in real time
Knowing how long your presentation takes is key to pacing yourself and avoiding rushing or dragging.
Practice your talk out loud with a timer. This doesn’t have to be a perfect rehearsal-the goal is to get a sense of your natural speed and where you might need to slow down or cut content.
Try doing one full-speed run, then another at a slower pace to find a comfortable rhythm.
Being aware of your timing gives you greater control and reduces the fear of running out of time or losing your audience’s attention.
Bottom Line
These rituals aren’t about protection-they’re about setting yourself up to be present and confident.
By checking your tech, moving your body, and timing your talk, you remove distractions and give yourself the best chance to connect with your audience.
Try adding these simple steps before your next presentation. You might be surprised at how much smoother-and more confident-you feel.
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Whether you want to manage nerves, improve your delivery, or learn how to structure a clear, engaging message-we’ve got you covered.
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