How to Be Your Authentic Self When Presenting

I firmly believe that 99% of problems can be solved through better communication, so if you're struggling with something, let me know—we’ll see if we can work through it together!

Today, we’re diving into a question from Carlos on LinkedIn: How do you be authentic when presenting? It’s something so many people struggle with, especially when speaking in front of colleagues, senior management, or anyone they feel the need to impress. It can be absolutely petrifying.

The “Supposed To” Trap

In my 20 years of coaching presenters, from national and international broadcasters to public speakers, I’ve noticed a common pattern. When people present, they often slip into the version of themselves they think they should be. You’ve probably had thoughts like:

I’m supposed to stand like this.

I should project my voice like that.

Am I using my hands too much? Not enough?

Before you know it, you sound and feel nothing like yourself. And that’s the problem. The real goal of any presentation isn’t just about being authentically you—it’s about creating an authentic connection with your audience.

Finding Your Authentic Self on Stage

Being yourself when all eyes are on you can feel impossible. We put so much pressure on ourselves to perform in a certain way that we forget who we are. That’s why, in my SpeakerFit course, we start with you.

Here’s an exercise I ask my clients to do: After your best-ever presentation, when you step off the stage feeling like you nailed it, what three words would you want the audience to use to describe you?

For me, it’s: fun, wholehearted, and real. But for every presenter I’ve worked with, it’s been different—because it’s unique to you. Think of these words as your personal fingerprint for how you want to show up on stage. Once you define them, you’ll start to feel more aligned with your way of presenting.

The Three Pillars of Great Presenting

To create that authentic relationship with your audience, you need to focus on three things:

Being you – Knowing who you are and presenting in a way that feels natural.

Understanding your audience – Where are they coming from? What do they need from you? How can you get them from point A to point B?

Connecting with them – It’s not just about delivering your message; it’s about making sure your audience feels it.

The Secret Ingredient: Believing They Like You

Here’s a big one. The real key to being yourself when presenting? You have to believe that your audience likes you.

I was once coaching a presenter who said, “I just want to be able to laugh the way you do in your podcast. It feels so natural and effortless.” Without even thinking, I replied, “That’s because I believe they like me.”

That belief makes all the difference. If you assume your audience is against you, your nerves will skyrocket. But if you approach the stage knowing they want to hear from you, that they’re there to learn something valuable from you, it shifts your entire mindset.

Even Taylor Swift, in her Netflix documentary Miss Americana, reminds herself before going on stage: “No one out there actively hates me.” And she’s right! Your audience isn’t waiting to criticise—they’re rooting for you.

Takeaways

Learn who you are – Define the three words that sum up how you want to be perceived.

Understand your audience – Focus on their needs and how you can help them.

Believe they like you – This simple mindset shift can transform your confidence.

When you put these into practice, you’ll create real, authentic connections with your audience—and that’s what great presenting is all about.

Got a presenting challenge you’d like me to tackle? Drop me a message, and we can tackle it together.