4 Tools to Help You Give a Public Presentation With Confidence

You Don't Have to Be a Professional Speaker to Share Your Knowledge, Passion & Expertise in Public

It’s natural to feel nervous before speaking to a crowd

But many people unnecessarily make that feeling worse by asking themselves worse-case scenario questions, like:

• What if I get so nervous I go blank?

• What if someone asks a question I can’t answer?

• What if there’s a medical emergency, and it’s mine?

• What if somebody stands up in the middle of my presentation and shouts out, “You have no idea what you’re talking about!”

This kind of rumination can make it hard to be at your best in front of a room and deliver the value you have to give.

There are plenty of wise, experienced, passionate, thoughtful, and exemplary humans in the world that audiences should hear from.

And if you’re reading this—you’re probably one of them.

From decades of professional experience, I’ve learned that preparation is the best way to overcome the anxiety of public speaking.

In this article I’m going to provide you with 4 key tools and frameworks that will give you solid ground to stand on before you walk out onto the stage.

4 preparation tools to increase your confidence before speaking

It takes time to find your own unique style, voice, content, and stories as a speaker.

But I’m going to share some key information and practices that will speed up the process of feeling confident in front of any crowd.

1.) The SmartStory™️ Inventory Guide

All Pivot to the Podium subscribers receive a link to the SmartStory Inventory Guide.

This is a Google sheet that you can copy and fill in with your own stories as a way of recalling life experiences that will be most engaging to an audience.

If you’re already a subscriber, the link was delivered to you in your welcome email. If you’re not yet a subscriber, just sign up for a free account to access the document and gain other subscriber benefits, including attending a free masterclass.

Find out more about the guide here.

2.) The SmartStory™️ Framework

Once you’ve worked a bit with the Inventory Guide, you can start thinking in terms of story elements for the content of your story that will maximize the engagement of your listeners.

The SmartStory Framework has 5 parts.

Do your best to see that your stories include elements that are:

• Surprising

• Moving

• Authentic

• Repeatable &

• Thoughtful

I’ll expand on these in a separate future article, but generally, to any extent you can include these in your storytelling, you’ll better maintain the attention of your crowd.

3.) Traditional Story Structure

In addition to the above, it can also be helpful to think of your story like a short play or movie that begins by establishing:

-A setting &
-The characters

And once established, moves on to describe:

-A conflict &
-A resolution

4.) Find a Place to Practice Your Stories—Like Podium Day

Whether you join an official club like Toastmasters, or gather with a group of your friends to practice storytelling, or informally try your stories out in a social setting—practice is the key to becoming a better storyteller.

Pivot to the Podium

All subscribers to Pivot to the Podium get access to a free community storytelling session called Podium Day.

Paid subscribers get drop-in privileges for all events, occurring approximately 5 times monthly, including Podium Days.

Podium Day is a safe space to:

• Hear the stories of others who are also wanting to boost their confidence with presenting, and

• Get specific constructive feedback from me, and other participants, on your storytelling.

This is what subscribers have said about Podium Day

“I'd describe Podium Day as a judgment free space where you learn how to get comfortable speaking to and connecting with others.”

“Podium Day was a safe, inviting space, conducive to taking leaps of faith in sharing stories. It was not performing, but connecting. The attendees today were also wonderful. There was a lovely variety of perspectives and wonderful stories.” 

“I thoroughly enjoyed Podium Day and am looking forward to the next one. I found it to be interesting, challenging and very inspiring.”

Announcements and Zoom session links are sent to subscribers each week by email.

Visit the Podium Day and MasterClass calendar here.