Today I met a fellow procrastinator — another loyal follower of the philosophy why do today what you can put off until tomorrow?
For years, I was perfectly comfortable procrastinating. That changed when I stepped into public speaking and later into training and facilitation. I quickly discovered that procrastination and confident, effective speaking rarely go hand in hand.
Great speeches and engaging presentations need space. Space to shape ideas, refine words, and build confidence. When preparation is left to the last minute, creativity is rushed and clarity often suffers.
Many speakers tell me, I do my best work under pressure. Others say, If I don’t prepare too early, I won’t get nervous. And yes; you might still deliver a good presentation.
But here’s the real question: what if preparation could take your speaking from good to powerful?
Procrastination often hides the true impact it has on your presentations. Without preparation, your message may lack flow, your confidence can wobble, and your delivery may not land as strongly as it could. Over time, this can affect credibility, influence, and results — whether that’s sales, engagement, or audience trust.
Preparation doesn’t mean memorising every word. It means giving yourself the chance to show up at your best.
When you prepare your speech or presentation, you:
- Improve structure and flow, ensuring your ideas connect clearly and logically.
- Test different openings and conclusions to better capture attention and deliver a memorable message.
- Practise body language so gestures support your words naturally and confidently.
- Listen to your voice by recording yourself, noticing where pauses add impact and where energy can lift.
- Check your timing so your presentation feels professional and respectful of your audience.
Procrastination creates a false sense of readiness. It tells you everything will be fine — until something goes wrong. And procrastination loves Murphy’s Law. The less prepared you are, the more likely technology fails, words disappear, or nerves take over.
Preparation doesn’t remove all risk, but it dramatically reduces it.
If you’re a procrastinator, change can feel uncomfortable. I know, I have been there. Start small. Look at your next speech, presentation, or talk and do one thing today you would normally leave until tomorrow.
You may discover what I did:
Preparation doesn’t limit your speaking — it liberates it.
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Trish Springsteen
Speaker and Confidence Coach, Get Known Be Seen Specialist
Australia’s Leading Expert in Empowering Introverts
Multi International Award Winning Mentor
Inspirational Speaker, MC
International Award Winning Best Selling Author
Host Get Known Be Seen WebTV
I Believe in You until You Believe in Yourself
Clients work with Trish because they know she can help them have the confidence and self-belief to make speaking easy. Trish typically works with small business owners, introverts, authors and advocates helping them to promote their business to be visible. Stand out, speak with clarity and competence. Make it easy for your clients to find you.
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