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Whether it’s a small local industry event at the Golf Coast Convention Centre or an annual, national conference in Brisbane, there can be something about standing up and speaking in front of people that lets our confidence levels drop, even if we’re very experienced. Yet, not all great speakers are born; they develop presence, confidence and connection through practice, feedback and strategy.
In this article we’ll introduce what it takes to master public speaking for conferences and events (and get more out of the opportunities you take) as well as how improving your presentation skills can raise your professional profile and increase your influence.
Why Show Up is More Important Than Perfect
When most people get ready to present, they think only about content: stuff facts slides stats stuff. Great preparation is crucial too, but presence is what really pulls an audience in.
Presence is the ability to convey to listeners that you are fully there: grounded, confident and truly connected. In business and professional interactions, the quality of presence creates credibility. A steady voice, purposeful movement and sincere eye contact add an authoritative flair without being arrogant.
Gaining presence does not mean being theatrical, it means aligning the body language, tone and message in a way that your delivery feels natural and effortless.
Ways to Make a Strong Stage Presence
1. Control Your Breathing
Take slow, controlled breaths in before you have your say. It calms your nerves, controls pace and helps avoid rushing. A little bit of mindful inhaling and exhaling, even just a minute or two of breathing exercises, can reset your body’s stress response before you ever take the stage.
2. Ground Your Body
Ground even both feet into the ground. Don't rock or walk too fast. Non-action suggests composure, and especially if combined with deliberate actual movement (taking one step forward perhaps to underline something really cogent).
3. Engage the Audience Early
2Begin with a question, an anecdote or a local reference. For Gold Coast viewers, this could be a tip of the hat to their vibrant business background or its focus on innovation and tourism. Finding common ground helps listeners feel seen and included from the beginning.
4. Use Pauses Wisely
A pause before or after a strong statement carries weight and clarity. It also provides a moment to breathe and allows your audience to digest what you’ve just said.
5. Rehearse With Intention
Practice your talk out loud, preferably standing up and employing the gestures you’ll use on stage. If you can, record yourself so you can hear habits like fidgeting, rushing or speaking too softly.
Transitioning to a Conference or Event Environment
Each speaking context presents challenges of its own.
Big conferences: Have a clear structure and repeat key points. Speak with confidence and rely on good visuals that are visible in the back of the room.
Panel discussions: Moderation in listening and contributing. Marketify 9 ways to shorten your content Create powerful sound bites and be present while others are talking.
Networking events or awards nights: Keep it brief, be warm and conversational. A little humour or local flavour allows you to connect in an authentic way.
The tone is often a business-casual one on the Gold Coast, confident but affable. Striking such force for cultural balance is what gives your presentation the feel of being authentic and relevant.
Turning Nerves Into Energy
You’re an experienced pro and still you get nervous before talking. The trick isn’t to get rid of anxiety but rather to direct it.
So stop “What will I do when I’ve ruined it?” to “What can I offer this audience?” Repainting nervousness as excitement can turn the tension into energy and concentration.
For some professionals, working with a communication coach one-on-one can help them turn those nerves into an asset, employing posture, mindset and vocal control to project authority even under stress.
Final Thoughts
Public speaking isn’t just about giving an eloquent speech, it’s about connecting with others, communicating ideas clearly and feeling confident. No matter if you are representing your company at a headline Gold Coast conference or delivering quarterly results to your board, these tools will help you influence with impact and speak with presence.
If you do want to polish your performance or train for a future event, think about hiring a communication coach with an ear for what goes into professional-level speaking and can customize feedback to meet your objectives and circumstances.
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