Presenting with confidence

How can you ensure success on the day of your presentation? Below are some of my tips for preparing yourself to deliver a great talk.

In the lead-up

Practise and refine

Yep, it’s cliched, but it’s essential. If you know your talk and your slides inside out, you’ll have confidence on the day. Not being familiar enough with your content can also heighten any unease you may feel, so thorough preparation is well worth the effort. 

Be mindful of your timing during practice sessions, as nerves may cause you to speak more quickly on the day. I sometimes speak fast to begin with and then remember about two minutes in to slow down. 

Allocate time for a Q&A at the end rather than filling the entire slot with your presentation, and refine your slides by removing any that don’t add much value. Finally, rehearse with anyone willing to listen, and if you’re open to it, I recommend seeking constructive feedback on various aspects such as your content, clarity, and delivery.

Bring every connector possible

If you’re new to presenting, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the specific requirements for connecting your laptop to an external display. You may need to invest in the right connector. Relying on venue staff or conference organisers on the day to provide appropriate or working adapters isn’t going to serve you well. While most conference venues will typically have standard equipment available and may even offer on-site assistance for troubleshooting, it’s not always guaranteed. Without the correct connector, you’ll be unable to use your laptop, which will just create unnecessary stress for you.

Test at home if you can

If you’ve never connected your laptop to an external display, it’d be beneficial to test this setup in advance using a TV or spare monitor. Familiarising yourself with the process beforehand will help prevent any last-minute confusion or technical difficulties during your presentation. Additionally, this allows you to observe how your device responds and adjust settings accordingly. For example, many laptops default to mirroring the display, but this setup isn’t ideal - you’ll want to extend your display, enabling you to present your slides on the main screen while keeping your speaker notes visible on your laptop. 

Back up your talk

Ensure you have multiple ways to access your presentation. Save an offline version on your laptop and/or phone, upload a backup to the cloud, print out your notes, prepare handwritten cue cards - whatever works! Technology can be unpredictable, and eleventh-hour tech failures are the last thing you want.


Get some rest!

This is also cliched, but it needs to be mentioned! Prioritising quality rest is crucial for both cognitive function and sustained energy. A good night’s sleep enhances memory retention, helping you recall key points of your talk with confidence. Additionally, if your presentation is scheduled for the latter part of the day, being well rested ensures you maintain focus and stamina in the hours leading up to it.

On the day

Look sharp, feel good

Taking this step will boost your confidence and help you feel at ease. Whether it’s a favourite shirt or dress, wear it with intention. Opt for something that’s both comfortable and professional - this can enhance credibility but also allow you to focus on your presentation without distraction. Ill-fitting or uncomfortable clothing can become a source of discomfort, pulling your attention away from your delivery. When you feel good about what you’re wearing (in addition to knowing your talk well), you project greater confidence, and this will resonate with your audience.

Rock up early to set up

This allows you to familiarise yourself with the space and ensure you’re properly set up. Assessing the room’s size and layout (large or small stage, lectern, off-centre configuration, etc.) will give you insights on how best to engage your audience and can help you feel more prepared. If possible, find an opportunity to test your laptop and connectors in advance at the venue (perhaps when people are at lunch or, if you’re the first speaker for the day, by arriving very early). This should help with eliminating any last minute surprises when it matters most.

Clean it up

Before you’re on, make some time to tidy up your desktop and/or change your wallpaper if need be because it may be (briefly) visible to your audience. Even if you’ve done this before, sometimes it just happens. I also recommend closing or minimising any windows or open apps - I’m sure you don’t want the audience to see your inbox!

Don’t under or overeat!

Often overlooked, your food and hydration choices on the day of your talk can impact your performance, even amidst the adrenaline rush. Avoid skipping meals or neglecting hydration. Both overindulgence and deprivation have the potential to be disruptive. You want your body to support, rather than hinder, your ability to deliver a strong talk.

Movement can help with nerves

There’s a lot of literature out there about power stances and poses. It’s worth giving them a whirl before any kind of presentation to gauge their effects on you. If they don’t resonate but you still want to try and tackle the nerves, consider doing simple physical movements beforehand. Swing your arms, reach overhead, shake out your limbs, or gently twist at the core - whatever feels good. The goal is to release tension and prevent your body from holding onto excess stress in the moments leading up to your talk. I’m usually too focused on my talk and underestimate how much movement can impact the way I feel until I actually get over the initial resistance and just do it. I just try to find a quiet space, and if all else fails, I go to the bathroom.

Regardless of your level of experience, delivering a presentation can be nerve-wracking. But, the most effective strategy is to prepare as much as you can. When the day arrives, shift your focus to embracing the experience and finding enjoyment in the process. Wishing you the best of luck!