How to Prepare for Presentations When Feeling Insecure

A decade into my sales career, and I still get just as nervous for big presentations as I did as a new AE. The difference is that now I have a proven preparation method that guarantees a smooth, confident delivery. Here’s how I prepare to ensure I perform at my best: Two days before: - Review prep materials/research to determine what is top of mind for attendees The goal is to identify the top outcome they want to drive and the biggest pain they want to solve. - Identify my one takeaway that ties back to my audience’s “top of mind" If the audience only remembers one point, what do I need it to be? - Build a talk track to emphasize my primary takeaway They'll forget what they hear while remembering what they feel. I build my talk track around the question, " What do I want them to feel that is associated with my main takeaway?" One day before: - Practice until mostly smooth, with minimal reliance on notes The timing here is extremely intentional: sleep reinforces learning. One night’s rest between practice and presentation allows my brain to cement the flow. If I'm 80% polished the day before, simply sleeping and waking up gets me to 95%. Brain science is cool. Day of: - One more walkthrough, with emphasis on tonality (where I want to pause for emphasis, etc.) At this point, I've mastered the material. I know what I want to say. I just need to polish how I want to say it. Then, I enter the call with the confidence that stems from preparation. Regardless of your experience or comfort presenting, you should never outgrow the need to practice and prepare. Next time you have a big presentation, try this framework. I bet you'll deliver a more confident and impactful message.

After 17 years in high-stake sales, $100M+ in new business won, and sitting across from CEOs of Fortune 10 companies, I still get performance anxiety. Here’s what I do about it: QUICK BACKGROUND: I used to focus on planning every detail and playing out the entire scenario, whether it was for a: • Discovery call • Presentation • Meeting • Demo • 1:1 A SIMPLE, BUT POWERFUL CHANGE: I began focusing *only* on delivering a strong start. I’d ask myself: “What’s the most important thing I can say or show that ensures I have a good opening 5 minutes?” That’s it. This puts me at ease, because I know I can rely on my instincts, experience, and creativity to carry me through the rest of the engagement. However, this wasn’t something I figured out alone. I worked with a mindset performance coach to get at the root of my imposter syndrome and debilitating thoughts. After reassuring me this was common amongst high achievers, she introduced me to a self coaching model that changed everything. It’s called CTFAR, and I still use it today. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how it works (and access to the actual models I used during my highest-earning year of my career [$1.5M in total personal annual earnings]): https://lnkd.in/ehUpn_-U Hopefully it helps you too. Remember, you don't have to suffer alone with these debilitating thoughts. Small changes can have a dramatic impact. 🐝

19 years ago, I used to get incredibly nervous before speaking on stage. Racing heart. Tunnel vision. Dry mouth. Today, half of my job is being on stage. Here’s my 7-step pre-stage checklist for how I conquered stage fright: (Before you step on the stage) Step 1: Set One Clear Intention Nerves often come from scattered thoughts.  So anchor your mind with a single, positive goal: • For a pitch: “Get the buyer to sign and stay firm on numbers.” • For a presentation: “Connect with the audience and deliver value.” Avoid negatives like “don’t mess up.” Your brain clings to “mess up.” — Step 2: Pick a Focal Point Choose a random spot in the back of the room (or bring a grounding object, like a pen). Right before you begin, mentally send all your nervous energy there. It gives your brain somewhere to “put” the anxiety - and frees you up to focus. — Step 3: Breathe Mindfully Most people shallow-breathe when they’re nervous. This just worsens anxiety. Do this instead: • Close your eyes • Breathe in through your nose, out through your mouth • Push your belly out with each inhale (deep belly breathing) — Step 4: Release Muscle Tension Anxiety makes us clench everything - jaw, shoulders, stomach. This kills blood flow and increases anxiety. Instead, start at your head or toes and relax each muscle group with one breath: • Relax your face and eyes • Relax your jaw and neck • Loosen shoulders and chest • Relax arms and hands • Relax your stomach and abs • Continue down to your toes You’ll feel calmer and more grounded instantly. — Step 5: Find Your Center Before going on stage, shift your focus to a spot 2 inches below your belly button. This is your physical center - used by athletes and performers to stay grounded. As you breathe, imagine calm radiating from that point. During your talk, return to it anytime nerves creep in. It’s your internal anchor. — (While you’re on stage) Step 6: Repeat Your Process Cue This is your personal “how” mantra. • Interviewer: “Smile and ask great questions.” • Speaker: “Keep it warm and engaging.” • Performer: “Smooth and steady.” Keep repeating it silently throughout to stay focused and intentional. — Step 7: Direct Your Energy Feel the nerves rising? Don’t fight them - redirect them. Use your focal point from Step 2. Mentally “throw” your anxious energy toward it. It’s like dropping a heavy backpack: instant relief. __ Save this post and come back to it before your next big moment. Whether it's a presentation, interview, or performance, these steps will help you show up as your most confident, centered self.