Confidence Comes From Preparation
As a magician, corporate host and communication skills keynote speaker, I’m often asked for practical tips for public speaking. I’m familiar with the big moments – the ones that could easily feel overwhelming.
When I’ve been in those high-pressure moments, I wasn’t winging it. I was performing material that I had practiced hundreds of times. I knew it inside out, back to front. I knew it worked — at least most of the time!
Of course, there will always be moments where you need to think on your feet. Nevertheless, being as prepared as you can be helps a LOT.
Preparation is also one of the simplest tips for public speaking because it lowers anxiety and frees you up to focus on your audience.
And that’s the real lesson here: confidence doesn’t come from luck or talent, it comes from preparation, one of the most valuable tips for public speaking you can apply.
Tips for Public Speaking: How to Apply Preparation Every Day
You don’t need to be on TV or a massive stage for nerves to creep in. A pitch to your team, a client presentation, or even speaking at a wedding can all feel like “big moments.”
Fortunately, preparation works in every scenario. Here’s how you can use it to stay calm and confident:
1. Perform It As Many Times As You Can
Don’t just read your notes — perform your presentation. Say it out loud. Deliver it to colleagues, friends, or anyone who’ll listen. As a result, each time you practice, you’re baking it into your muscle memory. By the time the big day arrives, it will feel natural and familiar.
2. Seek Constructive Feedback
One of the best public speaking and storytelling techniques is to test your material on others. Ask someone you trust to watch you and give honest feedback. Then, adjust, refine, and try again.
When people you respect tell you, “That’s great,” your confidence will grow.
3. Don’t Memorise Word-for-Word
Memorising every line makes you sound robotic and increases the risk of freezing if you forget one part. Instead, reduce your script to bullet points or short notes. Think of it as a roadmap that guides you while still allowing flexibility and natural delivery.
This approach frees you up to use gestures, make eye contact, and move — all key elements to improve stage presence and connect with your audience more authentically.
Why Preparation Works So Well
Preparation doesn’t just help you remember your material. More importantly, it reduces anxiety because you know you’ve done the work.
It frees you up to focus on delivery, energy, and — most importantly — your audience.
Great presenters understand that confidence is contagious. Therefore, when you’re relaxed and in control, your audience relaxes with you. That’s the foundation of how to connect with your audience in a meaningful way.
Final Thought: Tips for Public Speaking and Confidence
If you want to build confidence for your next presentation, don’t leave it to chance. Remember to do the prep. Practise until it feels natural. Get feedback. Refine. And walk on stage knowing you’re ready.
Because confidence isn’t about never feeling nervous — it’s about trusting yourself because you’ve put in the work.
👉 Want more practical tips to boost confidence on stage? Take a look at my Keynote Speaker page to see how I help teams improve communication and delivery.