If you think that self-presentation and public speaking are things you can live without — you are absolutely right! Yet we have all been there: standing next to our colleagues while presenting the month’s results, delivering a report into a microphone in front of a hundred pairs of eyes, or simply giving a wedding toast. And let me guess — it was hard, wasn’t it?

If those 10 or 15 minutes felt more like torture — with your heart racing and your palms a little sweaty — then this article is for you. Not as a magic pill to cure your public-speaking nerves, but as a practical guide to help you step into this fascinating world with confidence.

Before diving into the questions about public speaking, let’s take a quick step back and look at who we are talking to today. In short, Dana Alhanbali is a Kuwaiti strategist, storyteller, and speaker whose work sits at the intersection of business, culture, and creativity — a background strong enough to warrant a few questions of its own.

— You have been involved in public speaking for quite some time — can you tell me about your first experience?

— My journey with speaking began when I was a child. I used to do theatre, so I was always on stage and felt comfortable stepping into a character and performing. That experience naturally carried into my professional life. I have worked in communications for over 16 years, and pitching or presenting has always been where I thrive. For me, it is about taking an idea — or even a persona — embodying it, and bringing it to life for an audience.

— I know you have spoken at TED — that sounds incredible. Can you tell me about that experience?

— Speaking at TED had always been a dream of mine. I loved the concept and often imagined what I would talk about one day. Then someone nominated me to be a TEDx speaker in Kuwait — my hometown — and it finally happened.

The talk came shortly after I had launched my podcast, which opened the door to new opportunities. I started moderating panels and speaking at events, and my name began to circulate more widely in that space.

My TED Talk was centred on the idea of growth — not as a destination, but as a conscious choice. The closing line that resonated most was about coming to terms with the version of yourself you haven’t yet met. That thought still shapes my storytelling today — in both business and public speaking, I never talk about who I was; I introduce the version of myself I have grown into.

— One more question — your podcast. How did the idea come about?

— After selling my first company, I went through burnout and felt the weight of entrepreneurial pressure. At the time, the conversation around running your own business was heavily glamorised — all about freedom, flexibility, and being your own boss. But the reality is far more complex.

I wanted to create an honest space to talk about the challenges — the lessons I wish someone had shared with me while I was building my business. Entrepreneurship isn’t bad, but it isn't all sunshine either. My goal was to make those lessons accessible and help others navigate the same path with more clarity and honesty.

At least once, you have been there — a microphone in front of you and a screen glowing behind. But let’s ease that anxiety. How do you prepare for a speech? Should you rehearse? And what if something goes wrong? Let’s break it down.

— Let’s imagine I am preparing for a public speech. Where should I start?

— Before you write a single line, the most important thing is to understand the context — what the event is about, who the audience is, and what message you want them to take away. Understanding this doesn’t mean tailoring every word to the event, but it helps you shape a story that resonates. You aren't writing a diary — you are crafting a purposeful narrative.

Once you have clarified the context, start by asking yourself a guiding question. For my TED Talk, I asked, “What does growth mean to me?” That question gave my speech focus and direction.

Personally, when preparing a speech, I like to write it out — though working from key points can be just as effective. What really matters is what comes after the writing: reading your draft aloud or recording it. Hearing yourself helps you notice what flows naturally and what doesn’t. Learning to self-edit is one of the most valuable skills any speaker can develop.

— Is there a preferred structure or ideal length for a good speech?

— It really depends on the event. If your talk includes visuals or slides, you can usually hold the audience’s attention for longer, though I would still suggest aiming for around 20 to 30 minutes at most.

But for the beginners, it is best to stay concise — a focused 5-10-minute speech helps sharpen both delivery and discipline. That said, if your story has real emotional rhythm and depth, you can keep people engaged for much longer. Ultimately, it is storytelling — not timing — that holds an audience’s attention.

— What should I do just before going on stage? How should we rehearse properly?

— First, if you can, rehearse on the actual stage — even briefly — to get a feel for the space, the sound, and how you move.

Second, centre yourself physically. Choose a microphone setup that suits you — a clip-on if you gesture a lot (that is usually my choice), or a handheld if you are new to speaking and need something to help you stay grounded.

Third, train your voice. Breathe steadily and project your voice from the diaphragm — it should sound natural and strong, never forced. There are plenty of short voice-training videos on Youtube that are well worth practising with.

Finally, be mindful of your body language. Avoid pacing or crossing your arms, as it distracts the audience. Use pauses deliberately; they give your words rhythm and confidence.

Another small tip I use before going on stage is to take a few quiet minutes to centre myself — sometimes I say a short prayer or take a few slow breaths. I might even call a friend and say, “I’m about to go on stage — hype me up!” In 30 seconds, they give me exactly the boost of energy I need.

— What if something goes wrong on stage — like forgetting a line or a technical issue?

— First, remember that no one knows your script but you. If you forget a line, simply pause — that silence might even seem intentional.

If something does go wrong, smile, take a breath, and carry on. And if you feel particularly nervous, try a small trick: hold something discreet in your hand — a microphone, a pen, or even a stress ball. It helps ground you and steady your nerves.

— Is it okay to use a screen during your speech?

— Personally, I don’t mind them, but I wouldn’t recommend relying on one if you are a first-time speaker. When you depend too much on a screen, you lose that natural connection with your audience.

Even if your delivery isn’t word-for-word perfect, a speech that feels genuine and spontaneous always has more impact than one that sounds read. If you want to keep a screen nearby as a reference, that is fine — just use it as a safety net, not a crutch.

— How can I warm up my voice before speaking to avoid a shaky tone?

— I still get nervous before going on stage, and sometimes my voice trembles — especially when I am speaking about something emotional or meaningful. And that is perfectly fine. A shaky voice can actually make your message feel more human.

With experience, your nerves never disappear completely, but they do become easier to manage. Instead of trying to sound perfect, focus on expressing your message clearly. And remember — breathing is everything. Learn when to pause and take a deep breath. Pay attention to your rhythm rather than the audience’s reactions. You set the tone, you set the pace. And if your breathing is balanced, your speech will flow naturally.

— What are the best and worst things you can do before or during a speech?

— The best thing you can do is be honest. If you are nervous, make a light joke or acknowledge it — it instantly breaks the tension and makes you more relatable. Audiences appreciate authenticity.

The worst thing you can do is give up halfway. Don’t get frustrated or apologise excessively; people are giving you their time, and they want to see you finish. Mistakes happen to everyone — even the most experienced speakers.

— How should a speech begin and end effectively?

— Always start with a hook — something that makes people want to keep listening. It could be a question, a surprising fact, or even a well-timed joke. For instance, my TED Talk began with “What if growth wasn’t about the goal?” You might open with a striking statistic — for example, “98% of women’s health funding goes to reproduction, not hormonal health.”

Also, avoid starting too formally with lines like “Hello, my name is… and today I am going to talk about…” — it instantly drains the energy.

Self-presentation is closely linked to public speaking, though slightly different in nature. In fact, it is something we encounter far more often than formal talks. So how do you strike that balance and make a confident, genuine impression?

— How can someone present themselves clearly and confidently, without overwhelming people with too much information?

— Pitching yourself is one of the most important life skills anyone can learn. I even dedicated a full podcast episode to it, called “Life Is a Pitch.” The key is humility. Keep it brief and focus on what the other person will find valuable, rather than what you think sounds most impressive.

For example, when I speak to corporate or business-focused audiences, I lead with my experience as a strategist and communicator. When I am speaking to creatives, I introduce myself as a storyteller and scriptwriter. All of it is true — but not everyone needs, or wants, to hear everything about me. The emphasis changes depending on who is in front of you, and that is perfectly fine.

And one more thing — drop the ego. There is nothing more off-putting than someone who behaves as though they are irreplaceable. I always remind myself that when I meet someone new, I shouldn’t assume they care about me — I assume they don’t. That mindset keeps me grounded. Confidence is healthy; arrogance isn’t.

— What is the smartest way to respond when you don’t know the answer to a question?

— Be honest — it is the smartest thing you can do. If I don’t know something, I simply say so, and there is absolutely no shame in that.

Sometimes I will ask for clarification: “I didn’t quite understand what you meant — could you phrase it another way?” The point is to ask them to rephrase, not just repeat, so you can genuinely understand.

Or I might say, “That is a great question — I don’t have the answer right now, but it is definitely given me something to think about.” People respect honesty far more than pretense.

— What is the biggest “no” during self-presentation?

— Only wanting to talk. People often forget that listening is one of the strongest signs of respect. I find it quite rude when someone glances at their phone while another person is speaking. Even if you are taking notes, use paper — it shows attentiveness and presence.

And if you have been talking for a while — even in an interview, where most questions are directed at you — turn it around. Ask a question or invite the other person’s opinion. It keeps the exchange balanced and shows genuine interest, not self-absorption.

— You know how people often start answers with “Thank you for your question” — it is polite, but maybe overused now. Is it still a good habit or should we move past it?

— Yes, absolutely. It is a thoughtful habit. Saying “thank you” gives you a moment to gather your thoughts, and it makes the other person feel acknowledged.

You can vary how you respond — for instance, “That’s a really good question,” or “You’ve made me think about that one.” It is less about the exact phrase and more about showing gratitude. There is never a wrong time to be polite.