If you’ve ever stood in the hall before a presentation, or sat on the edge of your chair in a difficult conversation, you know the feeling: a tightness in your chest, your mind racing, and a creeping sense that the moment will expose you.

What many people don’t realise is that the pressure isn’t coming from the room. It’s coming from inside their own head.

Your message matters, but if people aren’t engaged, it won’t land. Many leaders struggle with rushing through their message, failing to connect with their audience, or lacking structure—making it hard for people to follow. To fix this, slow down and use pauses for clarity, engage with eye contact and awareness of the room, and structure your message with compelling storytelling. Great speakers don’t just talk; they captivate. Master these skills and lead with impact.