How to Present with Confidence in Any Situation

Executive presence comprises 28% of communication, gravitas (67%), and appearance (5%). As a leader, whether you are a new manager or not, you want to have an executive presence and communicate in a way that inspires action. Today, we will dive into ways to present with confidence. It’s a skill every professional can benefit from, and we firmly believe new managers and executives should master it to have successful and sustainable careers.

What presentations are we talking about?

The answer to this question might be obvious, but as a former QA and Business Analyst, I’m not fond of ambiguity. So, when we talk about how to present with confidence, we focus on presentations and meetings you have at work.

While most of the points are helpful in speaking confidently in general, and you can use them to prepare for a presentation on a stage in front of hundreds of people, most of us will not need to master stage performance. We have meetings every day, and almost all of us get the chance to present in a meeting occasionally. Whether you are presenting the objectives for the new year in front of your team, a report in front of upper management, or the success of the new project, your ability to present and speak confidently is key.

Why you want to speak with confidence

Now that you know we are focusing on work presentations, you might ask why you need to speak with confidence.

Good question, my fellow high-achiever. We already mentioned that executive presence is all about gravitas and communication. What we haven’t revealed yet is that gravitas entails confidence in your abilities and knowledge.

Confidence is the number one quality we look for in a leader because we want certainty and someone to tell us what to do.

When you speak confidently, you show people you know what you are talking about, and you can tell them what to do (dynamic communication, anyone?). It allows you to be the calm center of a meeting, presentation, or any other situation.

Last but not least, confidence signifies success and “winners.” It shows you are comfortable in your own skin and can be trusted.

How to prepare yourself to present with confidence

So, how do you actually present with confidence?

There are two keys to this question. Let’s review them here.

Preparation. Preparation. Preparation

Did someone say “Preparation”?

No kidding, Anna?! We all know we should prepare.

Well, it’s a good reminder for all of us. Regardless of how experienced you are when it comes to presenting and speaking, action precedes confidence.

So, to prepare for a presentation, a speech, or just a conversation:

1. Act. Do the thing. Have a test run if you want. Step into the fear and see how illusionary it actually is. And if you are struggling with your confidence, you have a couple of choices. You can try to imagine how you will present if you have the confidence. What would you say, and how will you speak? Or, you can think of someone you admire and ponder how she would present. What would she do? How will he show up?
2. Focus on one skill to develop at a time. We all suck when we do something for the first time. So, when it comes to presenting, what is one skill that, if you master it, you will be able to speak with confidence? Focus on this skill and learn how to get better at it. Read books. Listen to podcasts. Attend a seminar.
3. Review your progress. As you practice, see how much better you are doing every time. Actually, work on improving a little bit with every practice run. Your results will be fantastic at the end of your practice.

And after practicing, just go for it. But not before you…

Tap into higher energy levels

Confidence requires proof and repetition in some aspects. However, from another perspective, we can all tap into more confidence by raising our energy levels.

You will struggle with your confidence if you view the world through the catabolic lenses. And it makes sense. If you believe you are not capable (Level 1) or that everyone is there to get you (Level 2), the doubt and fear will not leave any room for presenting or speaking confidently.

As you tap into the anabolic energy levels, things start to change. Initially, it might be harder to feel confident because you are still pushing forward despite the fears and doubts (level 3). However, when you start focusing on how your presentation is helping others (level 4) and how every experience is an opportunity to learn and grow (level 5), you can suddenly show up with more confidence.

Because you are gradually leaving behind all the judgments and the attachment to the result.

You are there to experience the moment with joy (level 6) and be an ultimate creator (level 7).

Just writing these sentences made me feel confident and powerful. Can you imagine how well you will speak and present when you master the energy game?

Tips for success in speaking with confidence

If you are ready to start presenting with confidence, here is a list of 3 tips you can practice.

Learn not to suck on stage

Stage? What stage?! Didn’t you say it’s work meetings and presentations we are talking about?

Good. You are paying attention. It’s the proverbial stage – the one you are on when presenting in person or online.

The key here is to find your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to presenting and craft a delivery style that plays to your strengths. For example, when I get nervous while speaking or presenting, I tend to speak quickly. Instead of stopping myself, I try to incorporate the speed into my presentation.

Speaking of speed, how you pronounce words matters. Pauses matter too. If you want the audience to absorb a message, give them the time to do it. Say your bit and pause.

As for the words, don’t make your life harder by including words you can’t pronounce. Choose an easier synonym instead. If a fifth grader can understand your words, your speech is golden.

Last but not least, don’t forget about body language. Yes, even in virtual meetings. If you are on camera, make eye contact with the camera. If others are on camera, pay attention to their response and non-verbal cues.

Add structure and organization

The best presentations and speeches come full circle by tying the conclusion back to the introduction. This gives the audience a sense of completion.

Your presentation should have the following structure:

• Introduction to grab the attention, state the purpose, and preview the main points
• Main section to dive deeper into the main points and supporting information
• Conclusion to summarize the main points, reiterate the purpose, and tie things together, and even have a call to action

Master the Q&A

Presentations are a type of conversation. And sometimes, you might have a Q&A timeslot at the end of the meeting or even questions during your speech. How do you speak confidently when it comes to answering questions?

First, clearly set the expectations about the questions at the beginning of the meeting. Are you going to have 10-15 minutes in the end to address questions? Or do you want people to interrupt the presentation and ask on the spot?

Second, as people ask a question, use the opportunity to paraphrase the question back to them. This will allow you to make sure you answer the correct question, and it will also help everyone hear the question. It also gives you a chance to think about the answer.

Third, tie your answer back to the presentation material. This reinforces the key information you shared and keeps it top of mind for people.

Last but not least, manage time suckers. If someone keeps on asking questions, politely defer them until later. It’s also ok to interrupt a person, remind them that there are only a few minutes for questions, and ask them to share their question.

Frequently Asked Questions

The last thing you need to know about presenting with confidence

You can present with confidence now. On any topic you choose. In front of anyone and in any situation. Even if this is the first time you are presenting.

The key is to realize that your first experience will be an opportunity to learn and grow. And it will be limited by your current worldview and mindset.

As you practice and keep on presenting or speaking, and as you keep on learning from the experiences, you will get better. Your confidence will grow, and soon you will be able to present with confidence in front of anyone.

If you are to remember two things from this post, let these be – preparation and high energy levels.

Wondering what your current energy level is when it comes to presenting and speaking? The ELI assessment will give you the answer. Click here to gift yourself this eye-opening experience and become a confident presenter and speaker.