6 Tips for Presenting at Work with Confidence

Mastering strong presentation skills is often essential for success in many professional fields, yet it doesn't come naturally to everyone. Whether it’s nerves about being put on the spot, worrying how your colleagues will react, or simply struggling to keep people engaged, it’s completely normal to find presentations a bit overwhelming.

But here’s the good news: confident presenting isn’t some magical talent. You can absolutely learn it. With the right preparation and mindset, you’ll be surprised how quickly your confidence can grow.

Here are six practical tips and techniques to help you feel more at ease and deliver presentations that truly connect with your audience.

1. Early preparation

You’ve probably heard the saying, “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.” And while it might sound a little cliché, it rings true, especially when it comes to presentations.

We know life gets busy. Juggling work with parenting, caregiving, or just keeping up with everything on your plate can make it tough to carve out time for prep. But if you want to feel calm and collected when presenting, putting in that time early really helps.

This doesn’t mean hours of rehearsing in front of a mirror (though if that works for you, go for it!). It could be as simple as jotting down your key points, testing your slides, or practising in front of a friend or partner.

If you can, chat with your manager about whether some prep time could be part of your development. Even just an extra hour or two can make a big difference. When you do get the luxury of time - use it! You'll thank yourself later.

2. Start with a spark

The first 30 seconds of your presentation are make-or-break. They set the tone and help your audience decide: “Am I going to listen, or switch off?”

Avoid beginning with downbeat phrases like “I’m not great at public speaking…” or “I’ve been asked to talk about…” These might feel honest, but they can unintentionally undermine your message.

Instead, try kicking things off with a surprising fact, a short story, or a question that gets your audience thinking. You could even use a prop if it fits the topic - something visual or tactile can help break the ice and get everyone leaning in.

Remember, you don’t need to be flashy - you just need to be engaging. And a strong, confident start makes everything feel easier.

3. Make it about them, not you

One big reason presentations feel scary? It’s the sense that all eyes are on you. But what if you could flip that dynamic? While it’s true that you are the focal point as you share your ideas, there is a way to shift the focus and alleviate some of that pressure.

By focusing on your audience, using “you” language and making your message about their needs, you not only ease the pressure on yourself, but also make your presentation more relevant and compelling, helping you draw your audience into the narrative.

Instead of saying, “I think this idea could work,” try, “Here’s how this idea could benefit your team.” It’s a small tweak, but it creates a big shift in how you’re perceived, and how confident you feel.

At the end of the day, a great presentation isn’t about showing off. It’s about making a connection.

4. Use storytelling techniques

The word “presentation” might make you feel like you have to perform, but really, you’re just sharing a story.

And chances are, you’re already great at storytelling in your everyday life. Think of how you explain a funny moment to a friend, or how you help your child wind down with a bedtime tale. That same skill works wonders in the workplace, too.

Here are a few simple storytelling techniques to try:

• Use metaphors

For example, "This project was like a puzzle, with each piece representing a crucial part of our strategy that, when put together, created a complete picture of success.

• The rags to riches story

For example, "We started with limited resources and faced many setbacks, but through hard work and innovation, we transformed our small startup into a thriving business."

• Introduce an antagonist

"Our biggest challenge was X competitor that began to hinder our progress. However, by identifying their plan, we were able to develop a strategy to overcome it and implement a more efficient system to avoid this happening again."

Stories help your message stick. They make you relatable. And they remind your audience that they’re listening to a person, not just a PowerPoint.

5. Be unapologetically you

Trying to imitate someone else, maybe that super-slick presenter on your team, can feel tempting. But often, it does more harm than good.

The truth? Your greatest strength is your authenticity. People connect with realness. They respond to personality, passion, warmth, and honesty far more than to perfectly polished delivery.

So don’t worry if you’re not the loudest or most dramatic speaker. If you’re sharing something you genuinely care about, that enthusiasm will shine through.

Let your personality come through in your voice, your body language, and even your slides. Remember, you are likely presenting on a topic you care about or have expertise in, so embrace it and let your true self take the stage. Own your presentation with confidence and let your individuality be your greatest asset.

6. Keep going!

Perhaps you’ve read these tips in preparation for a big presentation you have in the next few weeks (if so, good luck!). But don’t stop there!

Like anything, presentation skills improve the more you practise. So, find moments to present, even the small ones. Think about the projects you’ve been working on that you’re excited to share. Have you recently attended a training session and want to pass on the valuable insights you gained? Is there a regular presentation your manager usually handles that you could take on this time? By stepping up and offering to present, you create opportunities to brush up on your skills and build your confidence. Remember, it’s all about taking the initiative and making the most of every chance to practise and improve.