6 Ways to Look More Confident During a Presentation

A B2 ESL CONNECT lesson: the video shows how posture, eye contact, pauses and purposeful gestures can help a speaker appear more confident and credible.

YouTube video thumbnail: 6 Ways to Look More Confident During a Presentation
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Section 1 of 9

1. Before watching

Discuss these questions before watching. Try to use examples from presentations, meetings or school speaking tasks.

Discuss with a partner. Give examples, include a counterargument and reach a clear conclusion.

Discuss with a partner. Give examples, include a counterargument and reach a clear conclusion.

Discuss with a partner. Give examples, include a counterargument and reach a clear conclusion.

2. Watch

Watch the video using the image from YouTube, then complete the comprehension and language tasks.

YouTube video thumbnail
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Open the video

3. Comprehension

Choose the best answer based on the video’s main ideas.

Answers: 1 B, 2 B, 3 B, 4 B.

4. Five-paragraph gap-fill

Choose the correct word or phrase from each dropdown. The paragraphs are adapted from the video topic for classroom use.

Confident speakers do not rely only on what they say; they also manage how they are perceived. Audiences respond to visible signals such as open posture, eye contact and purposeful .

The aim is not to act artificially confident, but to remove behaviours that distract from the message. Pauses, vocal control and measured movement can reinforce an argument, especially when delivery is supported by strong .

The video gives examples so learners can connect the main ideas to real situations and make the topic more .

A useful lesson is to notice both the language and the practical in the video.

After watching, students should discuss the topic and apply the ideas to their own experience.

Answers: Complete the dropdowns in order. Extra answers may include memorable, advice, critically.

5. Phrasal verbs

Match each phrasal verb or phrase with the best meaning.

Answers: 1 A, 2 B, 3 C, 4 D, 5 E.

6. Vocabulary

Vocabulary matching

Match each word or phrase with the correct meaning. The answer choices are in the side column.

Answers: 1 B, 2 D, 3 A, 4 F, 5 C, 6 E.

Drag and drop: confident presentation techniques

Drag each answer into the correct sentence.

Drop the answer here
Drop the answer here
Drop the answer here
Drop the answer here
Drop the answer here
Answers: 1 posture, 2 gestures, 3 eye contact, 4 controlled, 5 audience.

7. Grammar

Grammar focus: imperatives for advice

Choose the best word to complete the presentation advice.

Answers: 1 keep, 2 don’t speak, 3 don’t look, 4 practise.

Grammar practice: giving recommendations

Complete the sentences with your own ideas. Use should, could, try to or avoid.

Example answers:
1. Before a presentation, you should practise your opening.
2. If you feel nervous, you could pause and breathe slowly.
3. During a presentation, try to make eye contact.
4. When speaking to an audience, avoid reading every word from your notes.

8. Discussion

Use the useful language and questions below to discuss the topic.

Five discussion questions

  1. 1. Is it better to look confident or to feel confident?
  2. 2. Can body language techniques become fake or manipulative?
  3. 3. Should schools teach presentation body language?
  4. 4. What is one presentation habit you would like to improve?
  5. What is the main idea of the video?

9. Speaking task

Create a short opening for a presentation and plan your confident delivery.