Nervous about speaking in meetings? Speak well and you’ll be remembered — confident, clear, and influential. These 10 practical tips will make your next team presentation better, even when you’re talking to a small group.
Stand tall. Make warm eye contact. Smile slowly. Face people with your whole body. Speak with energy. Show how your idea helps others. Use “you.” Be prepared. Listen more than you talk. Confirm understanding.
Part 1 — Your body says “hello” (non-verbal power)
1. Stand tall and look strong
Tip: Imagine a string lifting the top of your head. Shoulders back, chest open.
Why it works: Good posture immediately reads as confidence.
Do this now: Plant both feet, weight balanced, breathe from your diaphragm.
2. Use “sticky” eye contact
Tip: Hold eye contact a beat longer than feels natural — warm, steady, attentive.
Why it works: Shows respect and focus; builds credibility.
Do this now: When one person speaks, look at them for 2–3 seconds before moving on.
3. Give a slow, genuine smile
Tip: Pause, then let a warm smile spread slowly into your eyes.
Why it works: Slow smiles feel authentic and personal.
Do this now: Look, pause half a second, then smile.
4. Turn your whole body (the full-body pivot)
Tip: Face the speaker or the listener with your shoulders and torso — not just your head.
Why it works: Full orientation signals full attention and respect.
Do this now: When addressing someone, pivot your feet and shoulders toward them.
Part 2 — What you say and how you say it (verbal delivery)
5. Speak with energy (passion matters)
Tip: Your tone and enthusiasm matter more than perfect wording.
Why it works: Energy makes even simple content memorable.
Do this now: Emphasize the 1–2 words that matter most in a sentence.
6. Show them what they get (lead with benefit)
Tip: Frame your idea around what others want — the benefits for them.
Why it works: People respond to value, not requests.
Do this now: Replace “I need” with “This helps you by…”
7. Use “you” to grab attention (Comm-YOU-nication)
Tip: Start key sentences with “you” to make listeners feel addressed.
Example: “You’ll find this saves 2 hours per week.”
Do this now: Rewrite one sentence of your talk to begin with “you.”
8. Know your stuff (quick homework)
Tip: Do a short prep: read the latest headlines or relevant project notes.
Why it works: Being informed prevents awkward questions and gains trust.
Do this now: Spend 10 minutes before the meeting scanning 2–3 relevant updates.
Part 3 — Listening is connecting
9. Be a super listener
Tip: Ask open questions and let others speak fully about their views.
Why it works: People like those who listen — and you’ll learn more.
Do this now: Try: “Can you tell me more about that?” and stay silent while they answer.
10. Confirm the type of conversation & loop for understanding
Tip: Clarify the conversation goal (decide, explore, or share). After someone speaks, paraphrase and check understanding: “So what I heard is… Did I get that right?”
Why it works: Prevents misunderstandings and builds alignment.
Do this now: Close a topic with one quick summary and a yes/no check.