The Simple Pre-Talk Habit That Changes Everything
As a performer, corporate host, and communication skills speaker, there’s one small ritual that’s completely transformed my pre-talk routine: get there early and tread the boards.
It’s one of the simplest but most powerful tips for public speaking – and it sets you up for confidence before a single person walks into the room.
Why “Tread the Boards” Works
1. Familiarity Kills Fear
Empty rooms are your rehearsal studio. When you’ve already stood at centre stage, looked out at the back row, and tested the route to the lectern, the space stops feeling intimidating and starts feeling like yours.
This sense of comfort is a key way to improve stage presence and calm your nerves before speaking.
2. Embodied Confidence
Confidence isn’t just a mindset; it’s a posture. Physically moving on stage – pausing where you’ll open, stepping to the side where you’ll tell a story – creates muscle memory that shows up naturally when the lights go on.
3. Audience-First Adjustments
As a communication skills speaker, I’m always thinking about how to connect with the audience. A quiet walk-through lets you spot sightline issues, mic placement problems, and “dead zones” where your energy won’t carry – so you can adapt before anyone notices.
A Five-Minute Pre-Talk Ritual
Use this quick checklist when you arrive:
✅ Walk the arc. Start where you’ll open, move to your first “beat,” and end where you’ll deliver your final line. Feel those transitions under your feet.
✅ Speak a few lines out loud. Check volume, pacing, and breath. Pick a visual anchor at the back of the room to project toward.
✅ Test the tech. Mic on? Slides clicking? Timer visible? Remove surprises now – your future self will thank you.
✅ Mark your moments. Choose three key spots: (1) your story, (2) your big insight, (3) your closing. Stand there and rehearse the first sentence of each – it anchors your structure.
✅ Feel the room. Notice the stage height, aisles, and where latecomers might enter. These details help you read and connect with your audience in real time.
Make the Room Your Ally
By the time people arrive, you’ve already “met” the venue. The stage feels familiar, not foreign. Your voice has bounced off those walls; your feet have crossed those boards.
Therefore, you’ll start warmer, looser, and more present – and presence is the foundation for connecting with your audience.
Try It at Your Next Presentation
It’s a tiny behaviour with an outsized impact: arrive early, walk the room, and make it your own.
If you’re building your toolkit of tips for public speaking, put “tread the boards” near the top. It’ll calm your nerves, sharpen your delivery, and help you focus on what matters most – creating connection and delivering something they’ll remember.
👉 Want to strengthen your confidence on stage? Visit my Keynote Speaker page to see how I help teams and leaders perform with presence, trust, and connection.