From Nerves to Impact: 5 Keys to Getting Your Message Across

Public speaking makes a lot of people nervous—and I get it. Even after years of presenting, I can still feel anxious before stepping on stage or leading a webinar. My heartrate increases. My palms sweat. That little voice of doubt tries to chime in.

But here’s the thing I’ve learned:

I had something important to say. And you do to! People want to hear and learn from you. They showed up because you signed up to speak or someone trusted you to lead a project, or a potential client heard about the great work you’ve done.

That truth should be your anchor—not your script.

Whether you’re speaking to five people or 500, the goal isn’t to remember every word. It’s to deliver a message that lands—something that helps, connects, or inspires. That’s why it’s so important to focus on the outcome you want to create—not just the words you plan to say.

If you’re preparing for a speech, presentation, or even a short team meeting, here are five ways to move from nervous energy to meaningful impact:

1. Start with the outcome.

What do you want your audience to think, feel, or do after you speak? That becomes your north star.

If you’re selling Girl Scout cookies, the goal isn’t just to explain Thin Mints—it’s to inspire support for the mission and the cookies.

I remember standing in front of my local bank on payday, selling band candy while others had parents helping. I quickly learned that asking, “Would you like to support the band?” worked far better than, “Do you want to buy candy?”

Today, my intention is to inspire my audience through stories and learnings about confidence, clarity and communication.

Knowing your desired outcome gives your message direction and purpose.

 2. Limit the words on your slides.

Slides should be visual cues—not teleprompters. Too many words drain attention and weaken your message.

A good rule of thumb: three bullets, three words per bullet. If more is truly needed, fine—but keep it tight and easy to scan.

And when it comes to images? Use them with intention. Don’t treat your deck like Uncle Albert’s vacation slideshow—with blurry campsite photos and ten shots of the Grand Canyon from the same angle.

Your visuals should elevate your story, not clutter it.

 3. Memorize your opening and closing.

The first minute of any speech is the hardest. Your nerves are high, and your energy hasn’t settled. That’s why it’s so important to memorize your opening. A strong start helps you find your rhythm and signal to your audience that you're in control.

Just as important is the close. Your final words shape what your audience remembers. You’ve just shared something personal, valuable, or persuasive—leave them with a clear reason to act, reflect, or remember.

Know these two parts cold.

 4. Let the middle flow from your experience.

You don’t need to memorize the entire thing. You’ve lived this content—you know it. Let it come from your knowledge, passion, and personal story.

If you’re using slides, they become your natural guide. If you’re not, just anchor to a list of 5–10 key points you want to hit.

Think of it like a dinner conversation. When you tell a story at the table, you don’t recite a script—you just share it. Focus on the important details. Make eye contact with one person at a time. If you’re on a big stage, find 2–3 friendly faces and stay connected.

 5. Practice—don’t perform.

In my early Toastmasters days, I memorized every word. I’d write out the speech, rehearse line by line, and then—sometimes—freeze when I stumbled on a single phrase.

It was too rigid. Too rehearsed.

Now, I create an outline. I still commit my key points and stories to memory, but I let the flow feel natural. This allows me to pivot if something doesn’t land or if the audience energy shifts.

I build familiarity, not perfection.

That shift—practicing instead of performing—has made all the difference.

In our latest Leaderish podcast episode, we talk about nervous energy—how it can hijack you, but also how it can be a gift. Nervous energy means you care. And when you care about your message, your audience will too.

You don’t need to be fearless. You just need to be present.

If you’re willing to show up, speak from the heart, and focus on the outcome—you’ve already done the hardest part.