What Type of Presenter Are You?

Over 15 years of coaching, I've learned that almost everyone falls into one of five mindsets — and knowing yours is the fastest way to level up. Review these mindsets, and determine which Is yours:

Never Rehearsers

Convinced they'll shine no matter what. They can talk through their content in shorthand, but they never map the full narrative — and skip rehearsal, insisting it would ruin their authenticity. Then they stumble, every time. Common in successful mid-level executives.

→ The fix: build in real prep and rehearsal, or the stumble repeats.

Egoist Experts

Brilliant, articulate, endlessly confident — but their empathy stops at their own skin. They share their thinking, not their audience's experience, and come across as cold or arrogant. Often up-and-coming CEOs.

→ The fix: more open body language, eye contact, "we" and "us" instead of "I," and real audience engagement.

Overscripted Performers

Talented, hard-working, and over-prepared. Their stories get too complex, their rehearsal too rigid — consistent, but robotic. Common among senior executives who take pride in polish.

→ The fix: simplify the structure. Rehearse the intention, not the exact words.

Nervous Experts

Deeply competent, with strong material — but nerves take over. "Umm's," roaming eyes, disconnection from the room.

→ The fix: bridge rehearsal into performance with visualization, audience engagement, and pair presenting.

"Just Right" Presenters

Balanced, engaging, authentic — able to build a story around their content and rehearse without losing themselves. They can show up at any level in an organization.

→ The fix: keep growing. Learn new story techniques, explore what AI and technology can add, and mentor others.

Here's what I've learned mentoring people through all five: none of these are fixed traits. They are habits — and habits can be rebuilt.

Which one sounds like you? What have you done (or are you working on) to shift your presenting style? Share it with me — I'd love to hear from you.