Whether it’s the fear of being judged, the worry about freezing mid-sentence, or the pressure to perform under scrutiny, this fear can hold people back from progressing in their careers or fully expressing their leadership potential.

I work closely with senior leaders who appear confident on paper, yet struggle to assert themselves in meetings, presentations, or networking events. The good news? Confidence is not an innate trait – it’s a skill that can be built with the right mindset and tools.

Here are a few practical strategies to help you step into any room – be it a boardroom, a networking event, or a keynote stage – with greater confidence and composure.

1. Master your non-verbal communication

Long before you open your mouth, your body is already speaking. Posture, facial expression, and eye contact all contribute to how others perceive you.

• Stand tall: shoulders back, feet grounded. This instantly signals confidence, even if you don’t feel it yet
• Make eye contact: instead of scanning the room nervously, try to connect with individuals for a few seconds at a time. This creates a sense of engagement and authenticity
• Use open gestures: avoid crossing your arms or hiding your hands. Keep your movements natural and purposeful to build trust

2. Prepare with purpose, not perfection

Over-preparing every word of your presentation can increase the pressure to perform perfectly – which rarely ends well. Instead, focus on preparing key messages and practising delivery in a natural tone.

• Rehearse out loud, ideally with someone who can offer feedback
• Visualise the event: what the room looks like, who’s there, how you want to feel
• Have a structure in mind – introduction, key points, and a strong close – but give yourself permission to adapt

3. Turn anxiety into energy

A certain amount of nervousness is not just normal – it’s useful. That rush of adrenaline can sharpen your focus and boost your performance, if you learn to ride the wave rather than resist it.

Try this:

• Before speaking, breathe deeply into your belly for a few minutes
• Label the feeling differently – say “I’m excited” instead of “I’m nervous.” This small mental shift reframes the emotion positively
• Remind yourself: nerves are a sign that you care – and that’s a good thing

4. Learn the art of impromptu speaking

Some of the most feared moments happen when you’re asked to “say a few words” without notice. You can’t script spontaneity – but you can develop your ability to think and speak clearly on the spot.

Use a simple structure:

• Start with a point of view  - for example:  “I’m proud to be part of this team…”
• Add one or two reasons or examples
• Wrap up with a forward-looking comment – for example: “I’m excited about what’s ahead”

Practise by joining groups like Toastmasters or speaking associations, or even by challenging yourself in daily conversations.

5. Confidence is perception, not perfection

Finally, remember success often hinges not on what you say, but how you say it. A composed demeanour, calm presence, and warm delivery often make a deeper impact than perfectly crafted words.

Leadership isn’t just about having a title – it’s about communicating vision, building trust, and inspiring others. Public speaking confidence is a vital part of that. With the right tools, even the most nervous speaker can transform anxiety into authority.

So the next time you walk into that meeting or stand at the front of a room, take a breath, stand tall, and step into your power.

For more startup news, check out the other articles on the website, and subscribe to the magazine for free. Listen to The Cereal Entrepreneur podcast for more interviews with entrepreneurs and big-hitters in the startup ecosystem.