The one thing I always do before a big speaking gig (even if I’m in a porta-loo)

When you’ve been speaking for as long as I have, you develop certain habits, little rituals that keep you grounded no matter where in the world you are or how big the crowd might be. Some people meditate. Some listen to pump-up playlists. Me? I have one non-negotiable, can’t-skip, do-it-or-I’ll-regret-it ritual before every big speaking gig.

And yes… I’ve done it in a five-star green room, backstage at a gala, in a broom closet at a conference centre, and even in a slightly questionable porta-loo at an outdoor event.

So, what is this mysterious, must-do pre-speech ritual?

It’s my “Talk to Myself” pep talk.

The Pep Talk (No Audience Required)

Here’s how it works: I find a private space any private spaceand I look myself square in the eyes (mirror optional but preferred). Then, I remind myself of three things:

1. Why I’m here.
   I’m not here to impress. I’m here to impact. I’ve been invited for a reason, and my job is to give value, not perfection.

2. What I know.
   I’ve spent years mastering my craft. I’ve done my research, rehearsed my points, and built stories that resonate. The content is in me. I don’t have to “find” it—it’s ready to flow.

3. Who I’m serving.

    Whether it’s a room of 20 or a stadium of 2,000, they’re people with needs, hopes, and challenges. My job is to connect, not just speak.

Why It Works (Even in Questionable Locations)

Nerves aren’t the enemy, they’re just energy looking for a job. My pep talk channels that energy into focus. By the time I’ve run through my three reminders, my brain has switched from “What if I mess up?” to “Let’s give them something unforgettable.”

And here’s the thing: doing it in a quirky or unexpected location like a porta-loo can actually help. It makes me laugh, which breaks tension. I once did my whole pep talk while balancing my notes on a hand sanitizer dispenser, and I walked out of there relaxed, grinning, and ready to own the stage.

The Realness Factor

I’m sharing this because there’s a myth that speakers are always cool, calm, and perfectly composed before a gig. Nope. We’re human. We get butterflies. We spill coffee on our notes. We lose our place in the run sheet. But rituals, especially ones that remind us of our purpose help us rise above the chaos.

You don’t need the “perfect” pre-event routine. You just need one that anchors you. One that reminds you, “I’ve got this,” whether you’re in a green room with sparkling water or a plastic cubicle with questionable ventilation.

Your Turn

Next time you’ve got something big, whether it’s a keynote, a client pitch, or a wedding toast: try it. Find your version of my porta-loo pep talk. Look yourself in the eye, say the words you need to hear, and step out ready to deliver.

Because here’s the truth: the audience doesn’t need perfect. They need present. And that starts with you reminding yourself no matter where you are that you’re ready.