Shortlist: 4 confidence builders for presentations and meetings

RADA Business tutor and client manager Katie Lightfoot provides tips on leading and presenting with confidence.

The ability to remain calm under pressure and to lead with confidence is a skill that many of us struggle with at the best of times, so added complications arising from working from home, alongside heavy workloads, can challenge even the most senior people.

Developing confidence in our leadership style helps us to gain and maintain the respect of our peers, as well as the ability to feel comfortable when the spotlight is on us – advising and leading others. 

There are plenty of techniques, built upon from the world of acting, which business leaders can use to feel more confident in a range of situations. But what are these techniques and how can you begin to apply them?

1. Physically prepare

Our confidence is likely to falter in the build up to, or just before, an important meeting, especially if we’re leading or chairing it. Taking a moment to prepare ourselves physically, as well as mentally, will enable us to feel ready and assured when the big moment arrives.

Release physical tension from your body by jogging on the spot to lift your energy state, or have a good stretch by lifting your arms to the ceiling. Then shake out your limbs. Releasing physical tension from your body will reduce rigidity, helping you to present more confidently and flexibly. 

2. Slow down

Communicating with clarity is a vital part of every leader’s role. When presenting, give value to your words by taking the time to speak each one before moving onto the next, and when you get to the end of a sentence, stop.

This is your opportunity to breathe, process your next thought and most importantly, allow your audience the time to digest what you’ve just said; it will give you more vocal energy, so that your voice and message is clear.

Often, if we feel nervous, we can begin to speak quickly, which means our message is lost and others may sense that we want to get it over and done with. By taking a moment to slow down, you will have longer to think about what you are saying and to deliver your message more clearly.

When leading virtually, energise your ideas with your breath. Technology can drain energy from your message, so you need to find new energy from ‘your centre’. 

3. Breathe

A large part of feeling confident is managing our nerves. A really simple way to do this is to breathe. Start by breathing out. Hold it for a brief moment and then allow the air to simply ‘drop in’ by releasing the belly. Repeat.

Providing oxygen rich air to our mind and body throughout important meetings will help us to thrive under pressure, especially when team members may be looking to us for guidance and reassurance. 

4. Maintain your posture

Even in a virtual world, owning your space is a massive part of confidence. Maintaining your posture on screen will give you presence. Imagine a thread pulling you up from the top of your head, and another thread running across your chest and out through your shoulders, allowing your body to lengthen and widen. 

Taking responsibility for your own spine will show people that you’re fully present; ready to listen and to actively engage in the conversation.