How to Speak Before Hundreds of Co Workers With Confidence

Co-authored by Heather Morrison

Last Updated: October 22, 2025

Are you having trouble being confident while presenting to hundreds of co-workers and upper management? This article can help!

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You cannot speak with as much confidence before hundreds of co-workers without permission and on the spur of the moment as you can if you have been invited to do so and are prepared for it.^{[1]
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Heather Morrison
Public Speaking Coach and Broadcaster

Expert Interview}
Ensure you are clear about the date and what has been requested of you (ask many questions in the beginning) to prepare. Ask how long you will be speaking and what is the purpose of your speech. It is also a good idea to ask who will be in the audience.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Heather Morrison
Public Speaking Coach and Broadcaster

Expert Interview}

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It does not hurt to send an email or make a phone call a week or two before the date to make sure that plans have not changed.
Realize that what you have to share is valuable and will be well received. See yourself at the event, and hear yourself speaking. See the audience respond. Focus your remarks to match exactly what was asked of you. Consider what your audience already knows so you don’t confuse people or sound repetitive. Everyone, regardless of status, wants you to clearly express yourself so they receive the information. They want you to do well. Remind yourself of this to build your confidence!^{[3]
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Expert Source

Heather Morrison
Public Speaking Coach and Broadcaster

Expert Interview}
It helps when most of your text is memorized, but make sure that you have a clear and easy-to-navigate script in your hands on the day of the event. Spend extra rehearsal time on the beginning, because that is when you’ll be the most nervous.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Heather Morrison
Public Speaking Coach and Broadcaster

Expert Interview}
Get a good night's sleep. Pick out what you will wear ahead of time. Make sure it is comfortable and is appropriate for the event. If you don’t know the dress code, ask someone. Your presentation is your credibility and lasting impression! Be on time and mingle with people if there is an opportunity; this will help with your nerves and cause you to identify with the audience warmly.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Heather Morrison
Public Speaking Coach and Broadcaster

Expert Interview}
Give your speech with confidence. This is your moment!

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Tips

Know that you "own" your confidence, and do not give it away to changes in the program, those in the audience, other speakers, or presenters.

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Be aware of where you are on the program so that you can take a sip of water to moisten your mouth just before you are on.

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Decide to have fun and let this contagious attitude break through.

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Warnings

These steps are unsuitable for acceptance speeches, graduation speeches, wedding speeches, presentations to less than 199 people, or presentations to those you study with rather than work with.

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