I’ve been an actor for over 25 years, and it’s through this experience that I have come to understand the vital role of preparation when it comes to any kind of public speaking.
For many of us, public speaking is a scary experience. Whether it’s giving a speech, delivering a PowerPoint presentation, or even just introducing ourselves, knowing that all eyes are on us can trigger a fight or flight response.
When this happens, our heart rate rises, our mouths go dry, and our minds go blank. While we may have intended to deliver a well-written speech or witty intro, the adrenaline flooding our system makes us likely to rush through delivery like a panicked sprinter desperate to hit the finish line.
The ability to stay grounded in these high-pressure moments will often hinge on whether you have a reliable foundation to fall back on. This is where preparation comes in, giving you the confidence and footing to harness the adrenaline and deliver your message with intention and impact.
If I arrived at a show night wobbling onto the stage and unsure of my lines, I’d be so distracted that most of my energy would be spent trying to remember my lines. To say the least, the performance would come off as tense and mechanical – not enjoyable for me or the audience.
Fact is, the “magic” of authentic connection comes from the work of preparation. As an actor, I invest a significant amount of preparation time into studying the script, internalizing the character, and rehearsing until the lines are second nature.
By the time a show night rolls around, I’m no longer thinking about the mechanics. Instead, I can fire on intuition, resulting in strong, nuanced performances that look natural or even spontaneous.
Even if you're not an actor, the principle of preparation still applies. It’s less about memorizing a script word-for-word, and more about going through the basic motions of your intended communication so that they become automatic inside you.
By practicing and internalizing your message, you can navigate high-pressure moments with confidence and ease. Here are some practical steps to help you prepare:
At The Humphrey Group, we teach The Leader's Script®, a tool that helps you organize your thoughts and craft clear, compelling messages so you can deliver it in a way that resonates.
It starts with a strong opening to grab attention, provide context, and connect with your audience. Then, state your message clearly—this is the key idea you want your audience to remember. Support it with well-organized points that reinforce your message, and conclude with a strong call to action that moves your audience toward the next step.
This approach allows you to enter the conversation or presentation with confidence, knowing your ideas are not only well-structured but also tailored to your audience’s needs. With your script, you’ll have the freedom to be present in the moment and connect authentically.
Speaking is fundamentally different from silently reading, so practicing out loud will help to bridge the gap between the written word and verbal delivery.
Identify phrases that feel awkward, adjust your pacing, and ensure your key points are emphasized effectively.
This allows you to become familiar with how the words sound and feel as you say them, and builds muscle memory so your delivery becomes natural and confident.
While practicing out loud helps you internalize your message, rehearsing goes a step further by integrating the physical and technical aspects of your delivery. This includes moving, clicking, and speaking simultaneously – skills that require coordination.
Practice pulling up your PowerPoint slides while delivering your opening remarks or walking up to the podium from your seat or side of the stage and speaking clearly into a microphone.
These seemingly small actions can feel daunting under pressure, but by rehearsing them in advance, you eliminate distractions and project confidence, allowing you to focus on connecting with your audience.
For many high-achieving leaders, overthinking is a common obstacle to being present. I often use improv exercises or role-playing scenarios to help clients step out of their analytical minds and experience what it feels like to respond intuitively—without controlling the outcome.
These exercises are a playful way to interrupt ingrained patterns. With practice, clients build muscle memory they can then rely on in moments that matter.
My goal is never to get rid of my nerves, as they are a sign that I care about what I’m saying and who I’m saying it to. I think of nerves as an energetic friend who is riding in the car with me – meaning, they can sit with me but they’re not allowed to drive.
I recommend not fighting against your nerves, but instead redirecting them into your excitement for the subject matter and conviction of your message. The more you prepare with the words and actions you intend to deliver, the more muscle memory you’ll develop for those words and actions.
When game day arrives and your adrenaline inevitably starts to rush, you won’t be overwhelmed by it. Instead, you’ll operate from a place of familiarity.
Whether you’re leading a team, coaching an individual, or presenting a vision, preparation is key. You may never get to a place where you love public speaking, but you’ll free yourself up to exude more confidence and create powerful, communications that resonate.
Preparation is key to delivering impactful messages. At The Humphrey Group, we specialize in helping leaders communicate with clarity and confidence. Explore our Speaking as a Leader® program to learn more about The Leader's Script® and other effective communication strategies.
And if you're looking for small but powerful ways to set yourself up for success before a big presentation, check out this tip from Amanda on a surprising trick to keep your voice clear and your nerves in check!