Many of us experience anxiety when we need to present. But what if you’re always presenting? In today’s post, Pete offers a useful perspective on how to think about presentation and practice.
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Hey everybody—Pete here. I think one of the biggest reasons people don’t like to present is that they just don’t do it very often. And whenever you don’t do something much, it’s easy to assume you won’t do it well.
But here’s the thing—presentation skills aren’t this rare or special talent that only a few people have. They’re woven into every conversation and interaction you have. It’s about making eye contact, really seeing the people you’re talking to, enjoying them, believing that what you have to say is valuable, and focusing on making a positive difference for them.
You don’t need a stage for that. You can practice those skills in every conversation you have—every day.
Being on stage feels different, sure—but it doesn’t have to be unfamiliar. You can build your presentation muscle memory in daily interactions. Practice your eye contact. Practice your appreciation. Practice being clear and present in the moment. The more you do that, the more natural it becomes.
Then, when it’s time to step in front of a group, you won’t need to think about the mechanics. Those skills will already be there, ready for you. You can focus instead on delivering value and appreciating your audience for showing up.
When you talk one-on-one with someone, you’re not worrying about how they’re judging you—you’re just connecting. The same is true when you’re in front of a room. Your audience isn’t there to pick you apart; they’re there to get something useful from you. Keep your focus on what you can offer, not on what they might be thinking.
So here’s the simple idea: all the world is a stage. Every interaction is an opportunity to practice your presentation skills and strengthen your confidence. That way, when the big moment comes, your skills are already second nature—and you can put your full attention on delivering the value you’re there to share.
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