One of the most common fears that keep people from presenting well – and from presenting at all – is a fear of sounding dumb to their audience. They imagine their audience is judging them harshly, and the whole thing is a trap.
But what if it’s all in their heads? What if a huge part of presenting well is in your mindset? In today’s post, Pete focuses on this simple concept.
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A lot of people don’t like presenting because they’re afraid of looking or sounding stupid. It’s not universal, but it’s extremely common. So let’s talk about how to stop worrying about that—and how to step into a healthier, more empowered mindset when you speak.
The first question to ask yourself is: “Why have I been asked to speak?” Why you? Why this topic?
You were chosen because you have something valuable to say. You have expertise, perspective, and experience that others don’t have. Nobody wants you to look foolish. Nobody is expecting you to fail. The only person worried about you looking or sounding stupid… is you.
Your peers, your boss, and the people who put you on the agenda believe you are the right person for this. Start by trusting that.
The next question is: “Who is my audience, and what do they want?”
If you’re presenting as part of a pursuit team, those decision-makers don’t care about you personally. They care about their project, their goals, their challenges, and their success. What they want from you is simple: speak intelligently about what matters to them and show that you can make their project go smoothly.
This perspective is crucial because it takes the spotlight off you. When you focus on serving the audience—on helping them understand something important—you stop thinking about how you look and start thinking about what they need.
When you’re rooted in why you were chosen and who you’re helping, your brain stops spinning on insecurity. You start operating from purpose instead of fear. And that’s when confidence naturally shows up.
You don’t have to “try” to be confident. You just have to remember: I’m here because I have something valuable to offer, and these people need it.
The more you lean into your expertise and their needs—not your fear—the stronger and more natural your presence becomes. You don’t have to eliminate nervousness; you just have to point your attention in the right direction.
Trust why you’re there. Serve your audience. Let that take the pressure off.
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