Confidence comes with preparation. If you are familiar with the content and understand the subject matter, you are more likely to project confidence and discuss the topic in a way that appeals to your listeners. You will also be more competent at answering questions, which will inevitably make you seem more credible. Steve Weiner adds that “careful planning and preparation…generates deep confidence with your subject matter and presentation materials…which means you have less fear of your audience catching you out…which helps you to interact with your audience more effectively…which helps your audience relax…which in turn helps you relax and shed your negative self-consciousness”.

Peggy Forell: your preparation will all feed into others’ perception of your sense of authority as a speaker, which is essential when you’re trying to connect with and engage a room full of people. If your knowledge is the most up-to-date and accurate in the room, then by definition you are the authority in that context. Don’t confuse “authority” with “status” or “position” however; it’s not a given that just because you have a formal title, people will assume that you’re credible and therefore engage with your presentation. 

During the preparation phase, think about why you have been asked to give the presentation. What do your listeners need/want to know? What will make them happy that they attended? What do you want them to take away from the presentation? Why will this benefit the firm? In other words, make sure you’re clear on the change in behaviour or transfer of knowledge that you are trying to instigate. Then tailor your content accordingly. Once you’ve got the content down, then rehearse. Check that your structure makes sense. Time it. Perhaps even ask a friend or colleague for feedback.