Have you ever felt your heart racing just before stepping up to give a presentation?
You're not alone - over 70% of Americans fear public speaking more than death itself, as revealed by a study conducted by the National Institutes of Mental Health.
And I was one of them.
I can still remember one of my first major presentations like it was yesterday - my hands were shaking so much I could barely hold my notes, and I was convinced everyone could see my knees trembling beneath the podium. My voice cracked on the very first sentence, and I spent the next 15 minutes rushing through my speech, barely breathing.
The Simple Secret: Master Your Opening
What I discovered after doing more than 5000 pitches is shockingly simple:
When you nail your presentation opening, everything else falls into place.
It's like having a magic key that unlocks your confidence and sets the tone for your entire talk.
I've seen even the most seasoned executives struggle with public speaking.
But let me tell you, when you nail those first crucial moments, you set yourself up for success and create an immediate connection with your audience.
Think of it as the first domino - get this right, and the rest will follow naturally.
My Pre-Presentation Power Moves
I've developed this routine to help my clients overcome their fears:
-
The 2-Minute Power Reset 🧘♂️
-
- 3 deep belly breaths (4 counts in, 6 counts out)
- Stand tall, feet grounded shoulder-width apart
- Quick shake-out of your hands and shoulders
I actually learned this technique from a performer who said it helps them channel nervous energy into stage presence.
-
Shift Your Focus The Mental Shift
-
- Remember: This is your chance to share knowledge you're passionate about
- Think of your presentation as a gift to your audience
- Visualize success for 30 seconds before starting
I call it the "superhero moment" - to remind yourself why your message matters
-
Own Your Space
-
- Arrive 30 minutes early
- Walk the space where you'll present
- Test your tech (yes, every single time!)
It helps me feel like the space is mine (a trick I learned when coaching TED speaker)
Proven Opening Techniques
I've tested these opening techniques for the last 15 years and YES, they work across all industries and audience sizes, and they consistently deliver results.
-
The Statistic Hook
- "75% of presentations are forgotten within 24 hours. Today, I'll show you how to be in the memorable 25%."
-
The Personal Story
-
Share a quick failure-to-success story
-
Keep it relevant to your topic
-
Make it relatable
-
-
The Power Question
-
Ask something thought-provoking
-
Make them lean in with curiosity
-
Connect it to their experience
-
Each of these techniques has worked wonders for my clients, from startup founders to Fortune 500 executives.
Read Your Room Like a Pro
This is where the magic happens - turning a monologue into a dialogue, even if you're the only one speaking.
-
Find your "energy anchors" - friendly faces to connect with
-
Match the room's energy, then gradually elevate it
-
Watch for nodding heads and engaged expressions
-
Pay attention to body language - it's your real-time feedback system
Remember, your audience wants you to succeed. They're not looking for perfection; they're looking for authenticity and value.
Pro Tip
Here's something I wish someone had told me years ago:
Record yourself practicing your opening on your phone.
Watch it back and focus on your body language and tone.
This simple exercise can dramatically improve your delivery.
I still do this before every major presentation, and it's amazing how many small adjustments you can make when you see yourself through the lens.
Remember
Your presentation opening isn't about perfection—it's about connection.
When you shift focus from your own anxiety to serving your audience, you transform nervous energy into authentic engagement.
I've seen this transformation happen hundreds of times, and it never fails to amaze me how a small shift in perspective can make such a huge difference.
Try it out! Start with one or do all of them. Just start!
And please send me an email and let me know how it went!
Until next time
/Jenny
P.S. Found this helpful? Forward it to a colleague who has an upcoming presentation - we all know someone who could use a confidence boost!
P.S.S. I'd love to make this newsletter even more valuable for you. If you want me to address something in particular - feel free to send me an email at [email protected]
-------------------------------------------------------------
Whenever you're ready - here is how I can help you.
1. My Weekly Newsletter - Subscribe to my newsletter and receive exclusive tips, strategies and resources to craft, develop, and perfect your pitch.
2. Deep-dive Digital Courses - Self-paced courses teaching you the essential tools and skills you need to create and deliver a fantastic pitch so you can go from “I do not know what to say” to “when can I pitch next?
3. Speaking Engagements - I have done in-person and virtual speaking engagements at a number of companies, conferences, and private events covering a variety of topics.
4. 1:1 Coaching - Due to limited time, I only work with a handful of clients each year. If you're interested, click to apply.