Elevarse Performance Consulting

When asked to distill his most powerful tip for public speaking—the one that rises above the rest—his answer is simple.

“I have one very important rule in public speaking, and that’s that you have to show up to give,” he says. “Very often, before I walk out on stage, I will say to myself out loud, ‘You’re here to give.’”

According to Simon, it’s important to step back and consider what you hope to achieve with your presentation. Take a moment to ask yourself: Why are you here? What valuable insights or discoveries do you have to share with others? Ultimately, what is the contribution you want to make to the audience?

“If you show up wanting nothing—no approval, no business—your audience will sense that,” he says. “As human animals, we are highly attuned to whether someone is acting selflessly or selfishly. When we can tell that someone is showing up for us, we feel grateful and are more willing to give them our attention and support.”

For more free advice you can use on delivering impactful presentations, you can read Simon’s tips for starting a presentation with confidence right here.