The Power of Clear Structure in Winning Presentations
We’ve all seen a group of bunnies—adorable but elusive! Imagine trying to catch each bunny one by one, but they’re all darting in different directions. Is it even possible?
Last night, I found myself at a spoken word event, surrounded by a room full of creativity, courage, and raw talent. One by one, people stepped onto the stage to share their art — their truth — with the world.
And yet, as beautiful as the words were, something else was just as visible
Last night, I found myself at a spoken word event, surrounded by a room full of creativity, courage, and raw talent. One by one, people stepped onto the stage to share their art — their truth — with the world.
And yet, as beautiful as the words were, something else was just as visible.
Shaking hands.
Quivering voices.
Papers rattling so loudly you could hear them over the microphone.
Stuttering. Pausing. Freezing mid-thought.
I watched people who clearly had something powerful to say struggle to get it out — not because the message wasn’t there, but because their nerves got in the way. Stage fright had stolen the spotlight.
And it made me wonder…
Have you ever felt that way?
Have your nerves, fears, or lack of confidence ever hijacked a presentation, a public speaking course, or an important address — even when you knew you were prepared?
You’re not alone.
What stood out to me most that night wasn’t the fear — it was the missed opportunity. Because with the right tools, those nerves don’t have to control the moment. They can be managed, redirected, and even used as fuel.
Here are three practices I teach — rooted in both experience and proven science — that help speakers free themselves from the nerves that show up in big moments.
1. Preparation: The Foundation of Confidence
There is no substitute for reps.
Confidence isn’t something we magically “feel” — it’s something we build. Neuroscience shows that repetition strengthens neural pathways, making recall faster and delivery smoother under pressure. When your brain recognizes familiarity, it signals safety instead of threat.
That’s why I always encourage speakers to practice out loud.
In front of a mirror.
Letting the words pass through your lips.
Getting comfortable hearing your own voice say the message.
One of my clients once shared — and this still makes me laugh — that they practiced naked in front of the mirror. While that’s not a method I personally use, the point was powerful: they intentionally chose the most uncomfortable scenario possible so that when they stepped on stage fully clothed, nothing felt as intimidating.
Sometimes practicing in the most unconventional ways helps desensitize fear and build confidence where it matters most.
2. Grounding: Presence Over Panic
Stage fright pulls us into the future —
What if I mess up?
What if I forget?
What if they judge me?
Grounding pulls us back into the moment.
Research around mindfulness and anxiety shows that anchoring your attention to the present reduces stress responses and improves cognitive performance. When we know our why, the what becomes much easier.
Before stepping on stage, grounding looks like:
Intentional breathing
Positive self-talk
Affirmations spoken out loud
Re-centering on the purpose behind the message
When your focus shifts from you to why this message matters, your body follows your mind. Presence creates steadiness. Steadiness creates confidence.
3. Power Posing: Confidence Starts in the Body
Confidence isn’t just mental — it’s physical.
Research, including well-known studies by social psychologist Amy Cuddy, shows that expansive, open body postures can increase feelings of confidence and reduce stress hormones. When we physically take up space — shoulders back, chest open, feet grounded — our brain receives cues of strength rather than fear.
In other words, how you stand before you speak can directly impact how you show up when you speak.
This is why body language is such a critical part of communication. Your body often speaks before your mouth ever opens.
Watching those spoken word artists reminded me of something I see all the time:
talent without tools struggles to shine.
The good news? These tools can be learned, practiced, and mastered.
If this resonates with you, I’d love for you to join me for my upcoming FREE webinar on Tuesday, February 17th at 7:00 PM. We’ll go deeper into overcoming stage fright and building confidence verbally, physically, and emotionally — the same pillars we unpack inside the Speak Like a Pro Academy.
Register for free and learn more at:
https://www.
Your voice deserves to be heard — without fear stealing the moment.
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