Present Over Perfect: The Key To Authentic, Engaging Public Speaking

Forbes

19-05-2025

Dr. Sharon H. Porter (Dr. Sharon), Editor-In-Chief, Vision & Purpose LifeStyle Magazine and Media--Founder, Leadership SHP.
I still remember one of my first big speaking engagements. I spent weeks preparing, rehearsing every word and perfecting my slides. I wanted to be flawless. But when I stepped onstage, something unexpected happened—I froze. My mind went blank for what felt like an eternity. I had focused so much on delivering a perfect speech that the moment anything deviated from my plan, I panicked.
After a few deep breaths, I decided to stop worrying about my script and just talk to my audience. I asked them a question. I shared a quick personal story. And suddenly, I wasn't a speaker reciting lines—I was present, engaged and connected. That was the moment I learned an important lesson: Perfection is overrated. Being present is what truly makes an impact.
Striving for perfection in public speaking can actually work against you, and shifting your focus to presence can transform the way you communicate.
Public speaking is often seen as a high-stakes performance, where every word, gesture and pause must be meticulously planned and flawlessly executed. Many speakers, from beginners to seasoned professionals, fall into the trap of striving for perfection. However, the pursuit of perfection can be a major distraction that pulls you away from the most powerful tool you have as a speaker—being fully present.
The desire to be perfect can manifest in many ways: obsessing over every detail of a speech, memorizing every word to avoid mistakes or fearing any deviation from the script. While preparation is essential, rigidly clinging to a "perfect" delivery can actually hinder your connection with the audience.
• Creates Anxiety: The more you focus on not making mistakes, the more nervous you become. This heightened anxiety can cause you to stumble over words, forget key points or appear robotic rather than engaging.
• Disconnects You From Your Audience: A speaker who is too focused on their script often loses sight of the people in front of them. Public speaking is about communication, not performance. Audiences can lose interest when a speaker seems overly rehearsed or mechanical.
• Reduces Flexibility: If you're locked into a rigid delivery, you won't be able to adjust based on audience reactions. Great speakers read the room and respond accordingly, whether by slowing down, emphasizing a key point or even throwing in humor. Aiming for perfection makes it harder to adapt in the moment.
• Kills Authenticity: People connect with speakers who seem genuine. Imperfections—like a slight pause, a stumble or a spontaneous remark—make you more relatable. Audiences don't expect perfection; they expect sincerity.
Instead of striving for perfection, focus on presence. Being present means fully engaging with the moment—your message, your audience and yourself. When you're present, you're more adaptable, more connected and ultimately more effective.
Here are five easy ways to cultivate presence in your speaking engagements:
Instead of thinking, "How can I deliver this perfectly?" ask yourself, "How can I connect with my audience?" This simple shift changes your focus from self-criticism to engagement.
Before stepping on stage, take deep breaths and ground yourself in the moment. Let go of the fear of mistakes and embrace the conversation.
Accept that mistakes may happen—and that's okay! Audiences appreciate authenticity over flawlessness. A slight stumble or a moment of vulnerability can actually make you more relatable.
Even when facing a large audience, you can make eye contact, read body language and, when appropriate, invite a dialogue and respond naturally. When you're truly listening and adapting to your audience, you create a dynamic and memorable experience.
You've prepared. You know your message. Now, trust that you can deliver it in a way that resonates, even if it's not "perfect."
Whether you're just beginning your speaking journey or aiming to refine your presence on larger stages, there are countless ways to grow your confidence and skill.
Organizations like Toastmasters International offer a supportive, structured environment where consistent practice and feedback help you find your voice and lead with clarity. Aspiring speakers can also benefit from personal coaching, mentorship, speaking workshops, online courses and improv or acting classes to develop authenticity and poise.
Mastermind groups, volunteer speaking engagements, open mics and speech contests provide real-world practice and peer accountability, while professional associations and AI-powered speech tools offer even more specialized development. No matter which path you choose, the key is to keep showing up, speaking out and embracing each opportunity to grow into the powerful communicator you're meant to be.
Striving for perfection in public speaking can be a distraction that takes you out of the moment, increases anxiety and distances you from your audience. Instead, focus on being present. When you engage authentically, connect with your audience and allow yourself to be human, you'll deliver a more powerful and impactful speech than any "perfect" performance ever could.
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