Tomorrow, I’m doing something I never imagined I'd be doing: officiating a wedding. If you’ve followed this newsletter, you know I’ve spent years practicing presentation skills: leading corporate workshops, speaking at conferences, even dipping my toe into stand-up comedy. But this? No slides, no whiteboard, just two people in love and a moment I better not mess up.

As I’ve been rehearsing for this, I realized something: we’re all giving presentations way more often than we think. Your 2-minute pitch in an interview? A presentation. That “quick update” in a team meeting? Presentation. Your elevator pitch, or client call? Yup... micro-presentations. If you're talking and others are listening, you’re on a stage (whether or not there's a spotlight). And how you show up in those moments matters.

Tip of the Week: If you're speaking, you're presenting, so give yourself the same prep you would if your name were printed on the invite.

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The Theory Behind

Every conversation is a mini presentation, act accordingly. Whether it's an interview, a 1:1 with your manager, or your next Zoom call, the presentation starts the moment you speak. The most effective presenters don't “wing it”, they prep. And one of the best hacks? Memorize your first two sentences. That opening calms nerves, sets direction, and creates instant confidence. This also gives the impression to the audience that you know what you are doing, and they'll pay more attention. Prep like it matters... because it does.

Speak with purpose, not just information. Before you say a word, ask yourself: Why am I speaking? What’s the opportunity, the challenge, or the decision that needs to be made? Whether you're sharing an idea, making a request, or giving a toast, having clarity on purpose brings clarity to your message. One technique that helps: start with “What’s at stake?” Not in dramatic terms, but in relevance. When your audience knows why it matters, they’re more likely to lean in.

Structure is the holds your message up. Even the most confident speakers lose the audience when there’s no structure. Frameworks like BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front), or Why → What → How, give your message shape and rhythm. Think of your content like a suitcase: the structure is the compartments that help everything arrive intact. You don’t necessarily need a script, but you do need a plan.

What I’ve Learned

“Imagine everyone naked.” Just kidding. Please don’t. That might be the worst presentation advice out there. I’ve spoken in front of hundreds of people, run workshops with high-level leaders, and I've bombed a few times. Here’s what I’ve learned: knowing your audience is everything. Whether you're pitching a VP, cracking jokes at a bar, or standing between two people about to get married - your tone, examples, and message all depend on who you're speaking to. Want to feel prepared? Start by understanding who’s listening.

Make It Happen

Here’s how to treat every “small” moment like the presentation it actually is:

1. Memorize your first two lines. Start strong, sounding like an expert (even when the adrenaline kicks in).

2. Clarify the purpose of speaking. Before you speak, ask: What’s the opportunity, challenge, or decision at stake? Start with that.

3. Use a structure. Try BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front), or Why-What-How. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just clear.

4. Practice out loud. Even for short updates. Speaking in your head is not the same as speaking aloud.

5. Know who you’re talking to. Tailor your message for the listener. Speak their language, not yours.

6. Be present, not perfect. The audience remembers connection more than polish. Let that be your focus.

7. Close with intention. Don’t trail off. End with a clear summary, call to action, or memorable line. Your last words are often the ones people remember most (make them count).

To the amazing couple (who both should be reading this) - thank you for letting me be part of your big day. If you're reading this before the ceremony… break a leg! (But not during the vows, please. Timing matters.)

See you on stage,

Jorge Luis Pando

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