When delivering a last-minute speech, stay calm and confident by focusing on your key points. Take deep breaths to center yourself and use a power pose to boost confidence before stepping up. Simplify your message, engage the audience with eye contact, and start strong to set the tone. Embrace imperfection—authenticity matters more than flawless delivery. Stay present, visualize success, and trust your ability to communicate effectively. With these strategies, you can exude confidence even under pressure.

The best way to do this is to speak in soundbites. This is a valuable lesson I've learned from years of TV and on-stage experiences: How to give the most substance in the least amount of time. It can be shocking how many "filler words" are placed around the actual point we are trying to make in a statement or a presentation. Take a close look at what you really need the audience to understand, and eliminate any verbiage that feels too clunky or decorative. This will leave you with the essence of your message, which you can then craft into its most effective form.

When the clock is ticking and it's your turn to speak, true leadership emerges. Confidence isn't about perfect preparation—it's about presence. Three keys to commanding the stage when time isn't on your side: Prioritize one core message your audience needs to hear Transform nervousness into energy through deep breathing and power posing Connect authentically rather than aiming for perfection Remember: Audiences respond to conviction, not flawless delivery. The most memorable speakers aren't those with perfect scripts, but those who speak with genuine authority—even with seconds to spare. #PublicSpeaking #LeadershipSkills #ConfidentCommunication

My best tip is to record the audio of yourself delivering the speech the way you want to deliver it. Then listen to that recording back over and over again in the car, in the shower, in the gym, while cooking dinner...you get it. You will be able to memorize it in a way it will feel natural to PERFORM on stage rather than trying to remember your next point.

Controlled breathing. Leading up to and during the speech, I focus on deep, controlled breathing. This simple technique help me calm my trembling nerves and reduced my heart rate and stress. Acknowledging emotions. I own my emotions privately, recognising that feeling overwhelmed is natural and okay. I figure if I accept my emotions, I could better manage them when it is time to speak. Embrace emotions and clarity. Conduct a meta-analysis of the relationship between social anxiety and emotion knowledge, a broader concept which includes both interpersonal and intrapersonal knowledge of emotions. This can lead to increased self-awareness and success and ability to take care of yourself and act wisely.

Absolutely! Confidence isn't about having extra time—it’s about owning the moment. Focus on clear, deliberate pacing rather than rushing. Use strong body language, maintain eye contact, and take controlled breaths to stay grounded. Stick to your key message, and if needed, trim non-essential details on the fly. A confident speaker isn't one who knows everything—but one who speaks with conviction, clarity, and presence, even under time constraints.