12 Smart Moves Before a Big Presentation

In my acting days, it was interesting to see the different ways performers prepare backstage before a show.

I remember one show in particular. We had a person who would sit facing the wall, quietly running her lines. Another would lie on the floor, eyes closed, headphones on, listening to music. A couple of us would literally bounce off walls to rev ourselves up.

The most intriguing was an older guy who, amid the clamor, sat off to the side, silent and motionless, an expression of tranquility on his face.

When I asked him about it he said, “You guys are trying to get your energy up — I just want to calm down.” He was clearing his head from the day’s distractions, leaving himself open to whatever happened on stage.

The lesson? There is no one way to prepare for a performance. It depends on the individual.

The same can be said about a speech or presentation (which is a form of performance). Everyone’s process is different. But everyone should at least have a process. 

If you don’t have one, here are some options for preparing and grounding yourself before your moment in the spotlight:

1. Create a buffer. Block out some time before the presentation so you’re not just flying in from another call or meeting.
2. Focus your mind. Ask yourself three questions: Who’s in the room, what are their interests and needs, and what is my goal?
3. Run your intro. First impressions are everything, so you want to hit the ground running. Have a strong intro and practice it in your head so you deliver it with confidence.
4. Boost your energy. Unless you’re totally Zen like my acting friend, do what it takes to get your body in the game, whether it’s a quick walk, some simple stretches or chugging a Red Bull.
5. Eat right. One of the (few!) advantages of getting older is that you become acutely attuned to your body and what kind of fuel does and does not work for it. I don’t like having a big hot meal before going on. I choose something simple and light. Your mileage may vary. I would also add that this is not the time to experiment. “Hmm, I’ve never tried clams casino before!” Play it safe and go with what you know.
6. Put down the phone. Avoid checking your email or messages right before a presentation. You never know what’s going to be in there that’s going to distract or annoy you or bring you down. This is the time for positive thinking.
7. Warm up your voice. Maybe it’s early in the morning and you’ve come straight to your computer or you’ve just rolled out of your hotel room at a conference. Whatever the case, don’t let your first words of the day be in front of a group. Take some time to clear any frogs from your throat.
8. Psych yourself up. A presentation is about persuasion, and the first person you need to persuade is you. Remind (or convince) yourself that you belong in that room, that you’ve got valuable ideas to share and that your audience will benefit from it.
9. Phone a friend. If you’re having trouble getting through to yourself, call or text your biggest fan — your best pal or your significant other — or dial up your pet cam. Your dog definitely believes in you. Your cat? Probably, though I wouldn’t count on them to actually show it!
10. Test the tech. Plug in your computer and make sure everything’s working as it should.
11. Mingle — or don’t. If you’re an extrovert, do that thing you like to do: Strike up conversations with people in the room. If you’re an introvert, safeguard your energy.
12. Breathe. Most of us naturally hold our breath when we’re tense. But that’s when we need oxygen the most. So take three deep breaths before going on.

Yes, this is a big list. Take what works for you and leave the rest. Just don’t be that person who blows into the room like a whirlwind, frantic and scattered.

Go in calm, focused and ready to perform.