Turn Public Speaking Fear into Confidence: 6 Steps to Build the Perfect Presentation

September 5, 2025

“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” – Hans Hofmann

Happy Friday, Brew Nation!

Public speaking. Just saying the words can send a shiver down your spine. It’s consistently ranked as one of the world’s greatest fears, even surpassing the fear of death for a lot of people. According to Worldmetrics.org, glossophobia—the fear of public speaking—affects approximately 75% of people. That’s a staggering number, and honestly, I get it. I’ve done a lot of speaking over the years, and I still get butterflies every time I step up to a microphone.

The butterflies never completely go away, but I’ve learned that a lot of that fear comes from a lack of preparation. It comes from the anxiety of not having a clear, confident plan. So, over time, I’ve had to develop some methods and mental models to equip me to be more effective and help me channel those butterflies into focused energy.

Funny enough, the best advice I may have ever received on this came from my son, Brendan.

The Perfect Sandwich

I’ve often marveled at the ability and patience my son Brendan has when he puts together a perfect sandwich. The way he layers it, the order of “construction,” it’s all very intentional. The order matters.

Today, I want to share my son’s method, who showed me how to “Build the perfect presentation (sandwich) in 6 steps.” This is an approach that will not only help you manage your fear, but it will also help you create a clear, memorable presentation every time.

Tell them a story. This is the first piece of bread. You need to set the stage for your audience. A relevant experience or story, much like a parable, is the most powerful way to connect. If you’re not a comedian, don’t try to be one and risk losing your audience, but a little humor to wake them up is always a nice touch.
Tell them what you are going to tell them. This is your first condiment, like a slice of cheese or lettuce. Let them know the key points you’re going to cover. Keep your points concise and to a minimum.
Tell them. Now that you’ve set the stage and outlined your points, it’s time for the main ingredient—the meat! Dive into your core content here. As you move through your key points, be sure to summarize after each one to keep your audience engaged and on track.
Tell them what you told them. This is your second condiment, the dressing. At the end of your talk, summarize the main points one last time. This repetition is critical; it helps your audience remember what you just presented and leaves a lasting impression.
Call them to action. This is the last slice of bread on top. It holds the entire sandwich together and makes it worthwhile. If you’re in a large group, challenge them to go out and apply what they heard. If in a smaller group, work with them to write down a specific commitment. Don’t let them leave without a clear action step.
Bonus! This is the olive on the toothpick that perfectly finishes the sandwich. If you have time, a Q&A session is a great addition that allows you to clarify your points and engage directly with your audience.

The Jesus Principle: Know Your Material

What’s a great presenter without great material? When you’re speaking, your audience can read the slides themselves. You shouldn’t be reading them aloud. Your job is to bring the content to life.

Jesus was the master of this. He taught in parables—stories that were relatable, engaging, and emotionally impactful. He KNEW the material. The reason his parables were so effective is that they weren’t just facts; they were unforgettable lessons on the Kingdom of God. They spoke to people’s hearts and minds.

One of the ways I have learned to speak without notes is to use a method that Jim Kwik outlines in his book, Limitless, called the LOCI method. Loci is the plural of locus, meaning “a particular point or place.” It’s a powerful memory tool that aligns your content with a place you know well. Check it out:

Draft the major talking points of your presentation.
Imagine a place you know well—your office, your kitchen, or your favorite place to relax.
Consider a path through that location and identify spots that correspond to your key points: a lamp, a chair, a picture, etc.
Now, practice your presentation, using your mindful walk through that location to help you remember those points.

This method helps you deliver a great deal of information without relying on a single note card. You become the presentation, not just the person delivering it.

So, the next time you’re stumped on a presentation, try one of these methods and use one as your outline. It will help you build a confident, clear, and impactful presentation that will leave your audience full and inspired. And, it may just alleviate some of that fear (but probably not all of it!!).

Quote of the Week

“Clarity is the courage to cut through noise and speak with purpose. A leader’s voice isn’t loudest when it fills the room, but when it resonates in hearts.”
– Coach John Gallagher

Being effective as a leader means consistently choosing discipline over distraction. It’s about deeply reflecting on what’s working, humbly learning from what hasn’t, and courageously course-correcting in relentless pursuit of uncommon growth. Leaders don’t just drift into success—they evaluate, decide, and act. At Growing Champions, we equip leaders with the precise tools and vision to do just that—because real leadership is about consistent, deliberate alignment between your values, your habits, and your desired outcomes.

👉 What’s a leadership lesson you’ve learned in an unexpected place?
📩 Email me at coachjohngallagher@gmail.com with the subject line “SANDWICH” and share your story. I’m excited to read all your messages!

What you need to do:

Your Call to Action: Master the Art of the Presentation

The biggest barrier to growth is the one we allow ourselves to build. It’s time to take ownership of your personal and professional development by mastering the art of the presentation.

Do you want to become a Champion of public speaking? Are you ready to stop letting fear hold you back from sharing your message? Then, use the six-step “sandwich” method to outline your next presentation, no matter how big or small.

You’ve got the time. You’ve got the tools. Now it’s time to make this year your most intentional, inspiring, and uncommon year yet.

It’s an honor to be your trusted Friday Coffee Guy. Each week, I bring what I’m learning and living in the trenches of leadership. If this edition challenged or encouraged you, share it with someone who leads, stays faithful, or learns alongside you, then click subscribe. Let’s grow Brew Nation together! ☕💪