How To Master Presence and Confidence in High-Stakes Moments
Have you ever watched someone walk into a room and instantly command attention? They exude confidence, authenticity, and an undeniable presence. That is the "IT Factor"—a quality that makes someone stand out and leave a lasting impression. But is this something you’re simply born with, or can it be developed? The good news: presence and confidence are skills that can be cultivated, especially in high-stakes moments where they matter most.
Mastering presence and confidence is not about faking it until you make it. It’s about intentional transformation—aligning your physical, mental, and relational self to show up as your most powerful and authentic version. Let’s explore how you can harness these elements to elevate your presence and confidence in critical moments.
1. Cultivate Your Physical Presence
Your body language, posture, and even the energy you bring into a space set the foundation for how others perceive you. Studies show that nonverbal communication accounts for over 65% of how we are perceived, often before we even say a word. Here’s how to refine your physical presence:
Posture & Movement: Stand tall, keep your shoulders back, and move with purpose. Avoid crossing your arms, which can appear closed off.
Eye Contact: Engage with others through direct but natural eye contact—it signals confidence and attentiveness.
Facial Expressions: A genuine smile can instantly make you appear more approachable and self-assured.
Dress with Intention: What you wear should align with the environment and message you want to convey. Your attire should make you feel confident and empowered.
Energy Management: Physical movement—whether through exercise, deep breathing, or stretching—can regulate stress, sharpen focus, and enhance your overall presence.
2. Strengthen Your Mental Mindset
Confidence begins in the mind. If you don’t believe in yourself, it’s hard to project assurance to others. In high-stakes situations, your mindset can be the deciding factor between success and self-doubt. Here’s how to strengthen it:
Reframe Negative Thoughts: The mind can produce thousands of thoughts per day—many of them repetitive and self-critical. Start replacing limiting beliefs with empowering ones.
Visualization: Imagine yourself succeeding in your high-stakes moment. Studies show that mental rehearsal can improve actual performance.
Preparation is Key: Confidence is built through preparation. Whether it’s a keynote, a pitch, or a crucial conversation, practicing your content and delivery will increase your self-assurance.
Embrace the Pause: When under pressure, silence can be powerful. Take a breath, collect your thoughts, and respond with intention rather than reacting impulsively.
3. Enhance Your Relational Impact
True presence isn’t just about how you carry yourself—it’s about how you connect with others. Your ability to engage, communicate, and build relationships is essential to mastering presence and confidence, even in virtual situations.
Active Listening: Presence isn’t just about being seen; it’s about making others feel heard. Listen fully before responding.
Authenticity is Your Superpower: People are drawn to real, honest interactions. Avoid trying to imitate someone else’s style—own yours.
Storytelling: The best communicators weave compelling narratives that create emotional connections. Sharpen your storytelling skills to captivate your audience.
Manage Nervous Energy: Instead of suppressing nerves, channel them into enthusiasm and passion for your message.
Step Into Your Power
Mastering presence and confidence in high-stakes moments is not about perfection—it’s about being fully engaged, prepared, and authentic. By aligning your physical, mental, and relational self, you unlock the ability to lead with impact, inspire trust, and seize opportunities with unwavering confidence.
So, the next time you step onto a stage, walk into a boardroom, or engage in a high-stakes conversation, ask yourself: Am I showing up as my most confident and intentional self? The time is now to refine your presence, elevate your confidence, and embrace your full potential.
If you enjoyed this blog post, here are some other resources you might enjoy:
My book, "Dare To Own You: Taking Your Authenticity and Dreams Into Your Next Chapter": The winner of two Feathered Quill Book awards, and an Book Excellence award, and recommended by Forbes in 2022 as “a teaching memoir”.
My podcast, the "Live Your Best Life with Liz Brunner" podcast: An award-winning and internationally streamed show that highlights powerful stories of re-creation and reinvention from guests who have taken their life experiences, and used that knowledge to create their “next chapters” and live their best lives.
My work as a keynote speaker, executive coach and communication expert. You can read more about more of my services here.
Interested in Taking Yourself or Your Executive Team to the Next Level?
Brunner Communications assists high-profile individuals and organizations in sharpening and developing top level business communication, executive presence, and public speaking skills. Our passionate team provides one-on-one executive business coaching, and runs specialized business workshops. Through customized training, clients learn the necessary skills to become great communicators and build a marketable reputation.