The Self-Checklist Before Any Speech

 
 

Confidence…

… grows from preparation. This checklist offers a clear, practical framework to help you ground your body, focus your mind, and align your voice before stepping up to speak. Use it as a quick guide to reduce nerves, sharpen your message, and ensure you walk into any room ready to connect.

Checklist for Preparation and Presence

1. Preparation

Preparation can take many forms:

  • Creating slides or PowerPoints

  • Rehearsing lines or running through mock scenarios

  • Doing a vocal warm-up, grounding meditation, or physical practice

There’s a healthy balance between being underprepared and overprepared.

  • If underprepared: Ask yourself, What led to this? Why haven’t I taken the time to prepare?

  • If overprepared: Ask yourself, What am I afraid might happen? What am I trying to control?

Our aim is to prepare in a way that supports us — to feel taken care of — while remaining open and receptive enough to respond in the moment.

2. Establish Intention

Clarify why you’re giving this presentation or having this conversation.

  • Perhaps it’s to attract a buyer, land a job, or connect with someone.

  • Or maybe it’s for yourself — to learn, to grow, to test your resilience, to explore that you can do hard things.

When intentions are clear, the fog around purpose starts to lift. Self-limiting behaviors become easier to recognize, and you can show up more grounded, focused, and present.

3. Ground Yourself in the World Around You

Reconnect with your surroundings — come back to the present moment.

When anxiety rises, we often feel disconnected or “lifted.” Grounding yourself in your environment helps you remember that you are safe and supported.

Notice what you feel and where you feel it. By acknowledging your sensations and emotions, you bring awareness and agency to your experience. This not only centers you but also deepens your connection with the people and environment around you.