I say this in my workshops all the time:
Your audience decides how they feel about you before you finish your first sentence.
Not because they’re judging you… But because they’re reading you.
In those first few seconds, they’re thinking:
- Do I trust this person?
- Do they know what they’re talking about?
- Are they comfortable… or a bit unsure?
And here’s the key: You answer all of that before you even speak.
What to Do in the First 10 Seconds
Most people rush this moment. Strong speakers don’t. They slow it down and take control.
1. Walk in with intent
No rushing, no hesitation. Just a steady, deliberate walk to the front.
That alone starts to build confidence in the room.
2. Stop, stand still, and get grounded
Don’t start talking straight away. Stop. Plant your feet. Get balanced.
When your body is grounded, your mind settles as well. And when that happens, your message becomes clearer.
3. Breathe properly
Before you say a word… take a breath. And I mean a proper, controlled breath – not a quick one.
If you have a simple relaxation breathing technique, use it. Practise it so it becomes second nature.
Because this is what it does:
- Settles your nerves
- Slows your pace
- Steadies your voice
It’s one of the most practical tools you have.
4. Make eye contact (with awareness)
Look at someone. Connect. Now, eye contact can vary across cultures – in some settings it’s direct, in others it’s softer or more shared across the group.
The principle is the same:
Don’t look at the floor. Don’t look at your slides. Look at your audience.
5. Pause… and smile
This is where most people lose it – they rush.
Instead: Pause for a second or two. Then a natural smile. Not forced. Not over the top.
Just enough to say: “I’m comfortable. I’m ready.” Then begin.
What NOT to Do
I see this every week – very capable people undo their impact in seconds:
- Rushing into their first sentence
- Apologising (“Sorry, I’m a bit nervous…”)
- Fidgeting or adjusting things
- Starting without a clear opening
All of these signal uncertainty.
Final Thought
Confidence doesn’t start with what you say. It starts before you say anything.
Walk in. Stop. Get grounded. Breathe. Make eye contact. Pause. Smile.
Then speak. That’s how you take control of the first 10 seconds and set yourself up for everything that follows.