Public Speaking: How I Prepare Before Every Presentation

Whether I’m sitting one-to-one with a new client or standing on stage in front of thousands of people, I still feel nervous.

And that might surprise you.

People often assume that after decades of presenting, the nerves disappear. They don’t. The difference is that I’ve learned how to manage them — and more importantly, how to use them.

Over the years, many people have asked me:

“What do you do before you step onto a stage?”
“How do you deal with the nerves?”
“Do you rehearse every word?”

So today, I want to share exactly how I prepare.

Not theory. Not textbook advice.

Just what works for me.

1. I Always Do a Vocal Warm-Up

This goes back to my university days studying English, drama and psychology.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned was how important your voice is when you speak professionally. Your voice carries authority. Energy. Confidence.

Before I speak, I always do simple mouth exercises to loosen everything up.

It might sound like:

“Partaker, Portugal, putugal, partaker…”
“Peter ketike…”

It’s not glamorous. But it works.

You wouldn’t expect an athlete to perform without warming up. Why would a speaker be any different?

Your voice is your instrument.

Treat it like one.

2. I Use Deep Breathing to Control Nervous Energy

Yes — I still get nervous.

But I’ve learned something important:

Nerves aren’t the enemy.

They’re energy.

If you manage that energy properly, it sharpens you. If you don’t, it controls you.

Before any presentation, I take several deep, controlled breaths. It slows my heart rate. It steadies my thinking. It grounds me.

Then I remind myself of one key principle:

The audience wants you to succeed.

They’re not against you. They’re hoping you deliver something valuable.

That shift in mindset makes all the difference.

3. I Start Light-Hearted

I don’t necessarily tell a joke.

But I always try to begin in a way that relaxes the room.

If the audience smiles, I relax.
If they laugh gently, I relax even more.

And when I relax, I perform better.

The first 20–30 seconds are critical.

In fact, here’s one of the most practical tips I can give you:

Speak at half the speed you think you should for the first 30 seconds.

Because when you’re nervous, you’re almost certainly speaking faster than you realise.

Slowing down at the beginning allows you to settle in. After that, everything tends to take care of itself.

4. My “No-Rehearsal” Superstition

Here’s something that might surprise you.

I don’t do formal rehearsals before I go on stage.

I’ll test the microphone.
I’ll check the slides.
I’ll make sure everything works.

But I don’t rehearse the entire presentation word for word.

It’s a personal superstition — and many performers have their own.

For me, over-rehearsing drains the energy. I prefer to stay present. Fresh. Engaged.

Now, that doesn’t mean I don’t prepare. Preparation happens long before the day of the event.

But in the final moments before stepping on stage?

Calm. Breathe. Focus.

That’s it. 

Public Speaking Is a Leadership Skill

If you’re in financial services, insurance, sales, or leadership, your ability to communicate will determine your success.

Every client meeting is a performance.
Every presentation is an opportunity to influence.
Every conversation is a chance to build trust.

You don’t need to be theatrical.

You need to be clear. Controlled. Authentic.

And remember this:

The nerves never fully disappear.

But when you learn to channel them, they become one of your greatest advantages.

A Final Thought

If you have a presentation coming up, try this:

• Warm up your voice.

• Take five deep breaths.

• Start light.

• Speak slower than feels natural.

Then let your preparation carry you.

After the first 30 seconds, momentum will do the rest.

And if you’re nervous?

Good.

It means you care.

—
Sandro Forte