3 Presentation Habits That Help Me Speak Confidently On Stage
3 Presentation Habits That Help Me Speak Confidently On Stage
Big presentation coming up? Feeling anxious?
You’re not alone, and more importantly, you’re not unprepared. Confidence doesn’t come from being perfect. It comes from being prepared with intention.
Whether I’m speaking at an international conference, hosting a talk show, or leading a room full of changemakers through a workshop – I follow a simple mindset and structure to show up as my best self. Over time, it’s become my confidence hack.
And now, I want to share it with you.
1. Know your why
Before you open your slides or rehearse a single line, take a moment to ask: Why am I giving this talk? Why does this matter to me? Why should it matter to them?
Your purpose should align with your vision, value, and goal – not just the topic. When you’re clear on your 'why,' you naturally speak with more authenticity and clarity, and that’s what people connect with.
For example, when I spoke at the Web Summit in Lisbon, I wasn’t just there to talk about diversity in tech. I was there to share what it feels like to be the only South Asian woman in the room and why we need to change that. That clarity made the message land.
Top Tip: Write down your ‘why’ in one sentence and pin it to the top of your slide deck or notes.
Sonya Barlow heading to Portugal for Web Summit 2023.
2. Define what audience will leave with
Great speakers don’t just speak, they serve. They give people something to remember, reflect, or act on.
Ask yourself: Will my audience walk away with:
A clear next step?
A new mindset shift?
A moment that sticks?
According to Forbes, we are 22 times more likely to remember a fact when it has been wrapped in a story, which is exactly why I define the takeaway before diving too deep into the content. When you build your message around a clear outcome, your delivery becomes sharper, and your audience more engaged.
It also helps calm your nerves, because you’re not focused on yourself, you’re focused on delivering value.
3. Make the content engaging
Spoiler alert: attention spans are short. That’s why I design my presentations with room to breathe. I use:
Strategic pauses
Rhythm to change the pace
Storytelling to bring points to life
Also, think of it visually: Break up your slides. Use relatable examples. Speak like you’re having a conversation, not reading an essay.
Top Tip: If you get bored watching your own slides, your audience probably will too.
Bonus Tip
In a world full of noise, the most memorable speakers are the ones who add value, not volume. Your voice, your experience, and your stories are more powerful than anything. So, keep it real. Keep it you.
Takeaway
Presentation confidence doesn’t happen in the moment – it’s built in the preparation. When you lead with purpose, design with empathy, and speak with clarity, you naturally become someone people listen to.
And that’s more powerful than any polished script.
Key Piece of Advice
'Be seen. Have substance.'
This is my 2025 mantra, and it applies whether you're on stage, online, or in a room. Speak from intention, not imitation.
So What?
You don’t need to be the loudest voice to make the biggest impact. You just need to be the most intentional.
So, the next time you feel nervous about speaking up or presenting, come back to this:
Know your why
Define the takeaway
Engage through clarity, not clutter
Because confident speakers aren’t born – they’re built.
Sonya Barlow is an award-winning entrepreneur, presenter and author with over 100K followers. She hosts her self-titled YouTube show "The Sonya Barlow Show", authored the business book "Unprepared to Entrepreneur" and runs a business inclusion consultancy and networking app the "LMF Network". You can work with Sonya for campaigns, content and conversation. Connect via email - Hello@SonyaBarlow.Co.Uk.