Public Speaking Confidence Prep Checklist

ONE WEEK BEFORE

Define your ONE key message — if people remember nothing else, what should they remember? Structure your content: Opening Hook → Context → 3 Main Points → Stories/Evidence → Call to Action Research your audience — what do they care about? What do they already know? Prepare your slides (rule of thumb: no more than 1 slide per minute) Identify your 3 most likely questions and prepare clear answers Do one full run-through out loud — NOT just in your head

DAY BEFORE

Practice your opening and closing 5 times — these set and seal the tone Visit the room or virtual platform if possible Prepare your outfit, materials, and technology Do NOT practice all night — over-preparation creates rigidity. One final run-through, then rest Write down your Top 3 Evidence statements ("I know I can do this because...")

DAY OF — 30 MINUTES BEFORE

Arrive early to physically settle into the space Do 2 minutes of power breathing (in 4, hold 4, out 6) Do a 2-minute "power pose" privately (arms wide, chest open, feet planted) Say to yourself: "I am prepared. I have something valuable to offer. My nervousness is excitement." Turn off notifications Greet 2–3 audience members before starting — familiar faces reduce anxiety

PREP CHECKLIST

Know who will be in the room and their priorities/concerns Prepare your one key contribution — what's the ONE thing you want to say? Write it out in advance so you have it ready Plan to speak within the first 10 minutes — the longer you wait, the harder it gets If you'll need to defend a position, prepare 3 supporting data points

IN THE MEETING

Sit where you can see the decision-makers Take up physical space — don't hunch Speak your contribution with direct eye contact and without "sorry to interrupt" or "this might be dumb but..." If someone talks over you: "I'd like to finish my thought." Then continue. Take notes — it signals engagement and gives you something to do with nervous hands

RESEARCH PREP

Research the company — mission, recent news, culture, challenges Research the interviewer(s) on LinkedIn Know your own resume cold — be able to speak to every item Prepare 5 STAR stories (Situation, Task, Action, Result) from your experience Know your salary range and be prepared to say it with confidence Prepare 5 thoughtful questions that show genuine interest

THE MORNING OF

Power pose privately for 2 minutes Read your Evidence Journal — 5 proof points of your competence Remind yourself: they want you to succeed. They want to hire someone good. They are not trying to catch you out.

RECOVERY REGARDLESS OF OUTCOME

Send a thoughtful thank-you email within 24 hours Write down what went well and what to improve If you don't get the role: remember that fit matters, not just capability. A no doesn't mean you're not qualified.

BEFORE YOU GO

Set a realistic goal: "I will have 3 meaningful conversations" (not "I will network with everyone") Prepare your 30-second "who I am" — genuine, specific, conversation-opening Prepare 3 questions to ask others (great ones: "What are you most excited about working on right now?" "What brought you to this event?") Give yourself permission to leave after your goal is met

AT THE EVENT

Arrive slightly early — easier to connect when fewer people are there Look for people standing alone — they're also hoping someone will approach Focus on being curious about THEM rather than impressing them — reduces anxiety dramatically Exit conversations gracefully: "It was great talking with you — I want to make sure I get to connect with a few more people. Can we exchange info?"

BEFORE THE CONVERSATION

Identify your goal: What outcome are you hoping for? Identify their likely concern: What are they afraid of or needing? Write your opening sentence — the first 30 seconds sets the tone Choose the right time and place — private, low-stress, when both parties have time Commit to staying curious rather than defensive

DURING

Open with intention: "I want to talk about something important, and I'm committed to us getting through it well." Use "I" statements: "I feel..." "I need..." "I noticed..." Listen to understand, not to respond If it escalates: "I can hear we're both getting activated. Can we take 10 minutes and come back?"

AFTER

Confirm any agreements or next steps in writing Acknowledge yourself for having the conversation at all If it didn't go well: revisit, repair, and try again — one conversation rarely "fixes" anything

Public Speaking Confidence Prep Checklist

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Public Speaking Confidence Prep Checklist

Prepare, Perform, and Recover Across Every Type of High-Stakes Communication

SITUATION 1: FORMAL PRESENTATIONS

ONE WEEK BEFORE

DAY BEFORE

DAY OF — 30 MINUTES BEFORE

DURING THE PRESENTATION

POST-PRESENTATION RECOVERY PROTOCOL

SITUATION 2: HIGH-STAKES MEETINGS

PREP CHECKLIST

IN THE MEETING

SITUATION 3: JOB INTERVIEWS

RESEARCH PREP

THE MORNING OF

RECOVERY REGARDLESS OF OUTCOME

SITUATION 4: NETWORKING EVENTS

BEFORE YOU GO

AT THE EVENT

SITUATION 5: DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS

BEFORE THE CONVERSATION

DURING

AFTER