One Area of Presenting Where You Shouldn’t Get Any Better

When You Don’t Believe the Message

I’ve had many conversations over the years with business professionals and leaders about confidence in presenting, and several have said something like, “I do just fine when I believe in what I’m saying.” My reaction to that is: fantastic—and I don’t think you should try to get any better than that. Because honestly, you shouldn’t be comfortable presenting a message you don’t believe in.

Don’t Deliver What You Don’t Believe

And just as importantly, leaders shouldn’t give messages to their teams that those team members can’t believe in. If your gut is telling you, “Something’s off here—this isn’t right, this doesn’t serve the audience, this doesn’t feel honest,” then that’s a sign you shouldn’t represent it. Messages that lack authenticity erode trust—for the messenger, the audience, and the organization.

The Difference Between Discomfort and Dishonesty

This is not the same thing as feeling bad about bad news you have to deliver. Sometimes we have to communicate hard truths—things that may not feel great but that we genuinely believe in and stand behind. That’s part of leadership. What I’m talking about is when you fundamentally don’t believe in the message itself—when it doesn’t feel right, fair, or aligned with your values.

Listen to Your Gut

If you’re ever asked to deliver a message that doesn’t sit right with you, trust that instinct. Have a conversation with the person asking you to deliver it. See if you can collaborate on a version that’s truthful, constructive, and something you can stand behind. Because at the end of the day, confidence doesn’t come from performance—it comes from belief. Stay true to what you believe, and your presence will always communicate that authenticity.