Confident Presenting: The Key to Authentic Public Speaking

How do you step into your presenter’s shoes and be confident when presenting?

Confidence is crucial in business, especially in public speaking and presentation delivery. True confidence is not about memorising a script or following a rigid structure. Instead, it’s about learning to “step in” – a technique I call putting on your presenter shoes.

I developed this method from my acting training and how I always prepare to go on stage or arrive on set. When it came to public speaking, I realised I used the same routine to prepare. Through this blog, I will share this technique with you, which will help you embrace confident presenting.

I follow this routine whenever I present, speak in public, conduct a training session, record a YouTube video, or host a livestream. Once you establish your routine, you will always know how to step into your unique presenter’s shoes. By implementing a regular preparation routine, you’ll always feel confident presenting because knowing how to own the stage and step into the spotlight is not just for actors and experienced presenters; with proper preparation, the novice presenter can excel immediately.

The 35-Minute Call: A Simple, Proven Routine

As an actor, I learned there is a sweet spot in preparation. For me, that is a solid 30-minute window. Why 30 minutes? In theatre, this is known as the “half-hour call.” Here is how it works:

• You arrive, sign in, and get into costume.
• Physical and vocal warm-up (I often do this in the car on my way to the venue).
• You style yourself, ensuring everything is in place.
• 30 minutes later, you are ready to step on stage.

Those last five minutes before going live are critical. You have done your prep, and now it is time to focus your energy, lift yourself up, and create space for your breath.

Stop Over-Preparing: Throw the Script Away

One of the worst things you can do for confident presentations is to over-prepare or try to memorise a script. You are not an actor who has spent years training to learn lines, so why put that pressure on yourself? Instead, I teach my clients to rip up the script—yes, throw it away!

We think in pictures, not words. The key to confident presenting is to use images to guide your thoughts. If you are using PowerPoint, replace heavy text with meaningful visuals. Visual cues trigger memories and help you flow from one point to the next, freeing you from the confines of a rigid sequence. This lets you speak naturally and authentically.

Own Your Imperfections: Uhs and Ahs Are Human

Here is a secret: everyone stumbles. Everyone ums and ahs. And guess what? That is okay! When I fumble at the start of my podcast, The Wise Why, I do not apologise—I own it. Your audience is not looking for perfection; they want connection.

Being human means making mistakes, which can build trust with your audience. The key to confident presentations is not to avoid mistakes but to embrace them.

The Breath is Your Foundation

Before stepping onto the stage or hitting “go live,” take a moment to focus on your breath. Your breath fuels your voice, and if you don’t breathe using your diaphragm, you may experience vocal strain. Without proper support, your voice can become tight, which affects your pitch and tone. For example, women might notice their voices becoming higher or squeaky, while men might find their voices getting deeper.

Without controlled breathing, projecting your voice without shouting is complex. However, by mastering your breath, you can ensure your voice is supported, allowing it to flow naturally and confidently, putting you in control of your presentation.

To ensure a confident presentation, focus on breathing deeply and standing tall. Maintain a relaxed, grounded stance with your knees relaxed and your feet directly under your hips. Keep your weight evenly distributed between your feet to stay connected to the ground, which will help you maintain stability and poise during public speaking.

Movement on Stage: Less is More

People often ask, “How should I move when presenting?” My answer is simple—move when you think. Let your thoughts guide your movement, not the other way around. When you pace aimlessly, it shows a lack of control and makes you appear nervous. But moving with purpose adds power and intention to your presentation, reinforcing your confidence.

Embrace Your Uniqueness: You Do You

Most importantly, remember this: no one does you better than you. When working with clients, I aim to help them embrace their uniqueness, not turn them into a mirror of me. Authenticity is the foundation of confident presentations.

The world doesn’t need another version of someone else—it needs you.
So, the next time you prepare to present—whether on camera or in front of a live audience—step into your presenter’s shoes, let go of the script, own your imperfections, and let your authenticity shine. Because when you are genuinely yourself, confidence will naturally follow.

Join the Confidence Journey

This method has been key to my success in confident presentations, and I hope it helps you, too. For more tips or guidance on cultivating confidence, subscribe to my YouTube channel or tune into my new livestream series, Cultivating Confidence with Gill Gayk, where we dive deeper into these topics.
Let’s walk this journey together—one confident step at a time.