Why Presenting Feels Hard for Most People (Not Just You)

Let’s be honest: for many people, public speaking ranks somewhere between “root canal” and “doing taxes” on the fun scale. We often have this image of a “perfect presenter”—charismatic, booming, and effortlessly commanding the stage. If you’re naturally quiet or introverted, that ideal can feel a million miles away. And if you’re an extrovert, you might worry about coming across as too energetic or unfocused.

But what if the secret to being a great presenter isn’t about becoming someone you’re not? What if it’s about leaning into who you already are?

Whether you recharge your batteries with a good book or in a crowded room, you have a unique set of strengths that can make you a powerful, effective speaker. It all starts with the same foundation.

The Bedrock: Four Rules Of Presenting That Apply to Everyone

Before we get into personality types, let’s cover the non-negotiables. Think of these as the four legs of a sturdy table—without them, everything else will wobble.

• Know Your Audience: Who are you talking to? Are they experts or beginners? Sceptics or fans? Everything you say should be tailored to them. It’s a conversation, not a monologue.
• Master Your Content: This is where true confidence comes from. When you know your topic inside and out, you can speak with authority and handle any question that comes your way. (Barack Obama, often described as a thoughtful introvert, is a great example. His calm authority came from deep preparation rather than showmanship.)
• Find Your “One Big Idea”: If your audience could only remember one thing from your entire presentation, what would it be? Every story, stat, and slide should support that single, powerful message.
• Structure is Your Friend: A great presentation has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Hook them at the start, build your case with a few key points in the body, and leave them with a memorable closing and a clear call to action.

The Prep Work: How to Set Yourself Up for Success

This is where your personality really comes into play. How you prepare can make all the difference.

For the Introvert: The Power of Practice

If you’re an introvert, your strength lies in preparation and thought. Embrace it! Don’t just “wing it.”

• Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself on your phone, or present to a trusted friend. The more you internalize the material, the more natural it will feel. (Susan Cain, author of Quiet, practised her TED Talk repeatedly. The result? One of the most-watched talks of all time — not because she was flashy, but because she was clear and authentic.)
• Script your key moments. You don’t need to write out every single word, but having your opening, closing, and transitions scripted can be a huge comfort. It’s your safety net.

For the Extrovert: Channel That Energy

If you’re an extrovert, you likely process ideas by talking them through. Use that to your advantage!

• Talk it out. Grab a colleague and run your ideas by them. The act of speaking your presentation aloud will help you refine it in real-time.
• Focus on bullet points, not a script. Your natural energy is your superpower. A rigid script can stifle that. Instead, work from a mind map or a few key bullet points that allow you to be spontaneous and passionate. (Think Richard Branson – his best presentations feel like conversations, not performances.)

The Delivery: Owning the Stage, Your Way

When it’s time to present, don’t try to mimic a speaker you admire. Instead, lean into your own authentic style.

For the Introvert: Your Quiet Strengths

• Embrace the pause. You’re probably more comfortable with silence than most. Use it! A well-timed pause can add drama, give your audience time to think, and make your next words even more powerful. (Barack Obama mastered this—his pauses often carried as much weight as his words.)
• Connect through your content. You’ve done the research. Let your deep knowledge shine. You don’t need to be flashy when your content is compelling.
• Make one-on-one connections. Instead of scanning the whole room, try making eye contact with one person for a complete thought, then moving to another. It feels less like a performance and more like a series of genuine conversations.

For the Extrovert: Engaging Authentically

• Let your energy show. Your enthusiasm is contagious! Let the audience see how passionate you are about your topic. (Oprah Winfrey thrives on this—her ability to make each person feel personally addressed is her magic.)
• Move with purpose. Use the stage to connect with different parts of the room. Your movement can keep the audience engaged and focused.
• Create a dialogue. You thrive on interaction, so invite it in. Ask questions, encourage comments, and make it feel like a shared experience.

The Final Boss: Managing Nerves and Energy

Butterflies are normal—it just means you care. The trick is getting them to fly in formation.

• For the Introvert: Your social energy is a finite resource. Protect it. Before you go on stage, find a quiet place to be by yourself for 10–15 minutes. Centre yourself, breathe deeply, and review your notes. (Bill Gates often retreats before big talks to reset—it’s how he preserves his energy for the stage.)
• For the Extrovert: That nervous feeling? It’s the exact same physiological response as excitement. Reframe it! Instead of thinking, “I’m so nervous,” tell yourself, “I’m so excited to share this!” Mingle with the audience beforehand. Turning a room of strangers into a few friendly faces can do wonders for your confidence. (Serena Williams uses the same trick in sport—recasting nerves as excitement to fuel her performance.)