Hi everyone! As we celebrate Women’s Month, may I ask: What’s your go-to power move when you need to feel confident before a big meeting, job interview, public speaking event, or school presentation?
(Please Share your hype songs, rituals, or secret confidence boosters!)
Not so much of a power move but more like mantras I say to myself when I have to persevere and losing self-confidence are I am better than this and This is just 30, 40, or n minutes of my life. They usually are effective enough to trick my brain that I can do something
Special mention though for mood booster songs such as Vienna and Turning Out. Mostly for validating my nervousness haha.
I love this. Usually talks are 5 minutes lang so 5 minutes of your life <3
Feeling confident helps haha (hello power dressing and looking cute), then also preparing talking points to make sure I know my material.
I also have a stage or business persona that I use as performance in these presentations
Preparation & Practice: I always review relevant materials and list down points and possible challenges (like a mini premortem with myself
). I try to prepare outfits too (when needed) to feel and look my best!
Prayers & Journaling: Helps me calm my nerves, reflect, and affirm myself through writing
Confidence Music: I have a go-to playlist that I blast on the morning of and groove it out to shake the nerves away
(most effective: Shake It Off by Taylor Swift)
Practicing in front of a mirror for online meetings, and putting on my fave scent for face to face ones!
Hi, Jas here! Whenever there’s a big event - or any event - that requires me to speak in front of a large/students/professional audience, I always make sure I am prepared. Preparation is crucial for me, such as conducting a research of potential questions, understanding the topic that I need to present, and knowing my future audience. Aside from that, I try not to overthink a night before the event by listening to music, especially Seventeen (Kpop) songs, as they are part of my support system.
During the event, I try to stay calm as possible and uplift myself by whispering “Kaya ko 'to, ako pa ba” as an affirmation that I can do it and give my best efforts with no regrets.
As a Project Manager who’s daily 9-5 is meeting facilitations, keeping a 5-min blocker before my meeting is very helpful! This will be the time I will review my agenda, practice my points of discussion and think of possible questions my attendees might raise. This way, I am more prepped and more confident to lead my project syncs!
I over-prepare! By that I mean, I always make sure to read the agenda, write notes/questions, and rehearse lines or points especially if I’ll be leading the call. I usually do this the night before so I don’t feel pressured if I missed anything! Also, deep, deep breaths before the meeting and a gentle reminder that everything will be fine.
I agree with what everyone has mentioned so far! Practicing your talking points before an important call helps with organizing your thoughts. An additional tip I would like to mention in relation this is that you could also partner or friend so you can lessen the nerves before your actual meeting!
Different take — if I’m super nervous, I do 10 push-ups and 10 sit-ups. Throw in some squats, if needed Relaxes my body and counteracts the jitters!
My go-to power move before a big meeting? A hype-up ritual.
- Power Pose– Standing tall for a minute like I own the room (even if it’s virtual).
- Hype Playlist – A quick play of a confidence-boosting song (think “Unstoppable” by Sia).
- Affirmations – A solid "I got this” in the mirror or under my breath.
- Deep Breaths*– Inhale confidence, exhale doubt.
- Prep Like a Boss – Reviewing key points to ensure I come in sharp and ready.
I SCREAM AT THE TOP OF MY LUNGS!! I usually get a pillow or find a high place then I scream as loud as I can before entering a space with a lot of people (and of course far from people too) I usually reassure myself and self-affirm that I can do it and I prepared for this. This temporarily let go of my nervousness and get my boosters up. Ready for the challenge!
Preparation is key! I make sure to feel confident and knowledgeable about whatever I’m presenting. I also practice the box breathing exercise—inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, and hold again for 4 seconds—repeating the cycle four times. Breathing exercises like this help me stay on track so I don’t feel overwhelmed or nervous beforehand.
Also, I listen to white noise music which really helps to calm myself!
Amazing tips! Super noted! For me, I start my day right and do my morning routine which usually includes prayers, journaling, affirmations, yoga, drinking water, basking under the sun, and then a bath. When the big event is near, I try not to overthink, breathe deep, and just focus on the present. I’ll remind myself to be grateful and have fun.
It’s either of the two, practice and practice or do nothing at all.
With practice I am much more aware of what I need to do, in turn during events/meetings, It’s like a muscle memory.
Doing nothing does not mean I did not prepare anything at all or did not practice. It is just during overwhelming moments that I give myself time to be at peace and relax by doing nothing or something that is not related to work.
- Deep, long breaths right before I start
- I try to de-center myself/my nerves and focus on the message. I once watched a video that gave an extreme example of this - if you are on the Titanic and you are the only one that knows it’s sinking, of course you would be more focused on getting the word out and telling people as urgently as possible. You wouldn’t be thinking about how you looked or how they viewed you!
- Remember that whoever is on the other side of the conversation is usually rooting for me and wants me to do well
- Tell myself I will reward myself after with a sweet treat and actually do it <3
Listening to feel good music or giving a short pep talk to myself boosts my confidence to be THAT girl
I always watch inspirational videos about progress and continuous learning. It helps me calibrate the current mindset that I have.