Top Tips to Be Present and Confident in the Room
Early in my career, I often found myself in rooms that felt far bigger than me.
Walking into an investor meeting where the CEO was present, I felt my confidence shrink. I’d sit quietly at the side, laptop open, furiously typing notes. It was my shield — a way to look busy, useful, and invisible all at once.
The truth? I wasn’t sure of myself. Surrounded by senior leaders, I felt I didn’t belong. Speaking up seemed risky. What if my comment wasn’t smart enough? What if I said something “wrong”?
Many young professionals — and Asian women — know this feeling well. We’re taught to respect hierarchy, to listen more than we speak, to not take up too much space. Yet in doing so, we sometimes erase ourselves from the room.
Over time, I learned that presence matters just as much as performance. Here are some simple but powerful shifts that made all the difference:
👀 Sit where you’re visible
Don’t slide to the corner of the room. Choosing a visible seat signals — to yourself and to others — that you belong at the table.
🏢 Show up in person, if you can
Physical presence matters. Being in the room — not just on the screen — helps you connect, read the energy, and show confidence. If it’s an online-only meeting, turn your camera on. Visibility matters, even virtually.
💻 Put the laptop down
Yes, notes are useful. But hiding behind a screen makes you invisible. Bring a pen and paper instead. Being screen-free helps you engage with the room and make eye contact.
🤝 Make eye contact with the speaker
It shows respect and attentiveness. It also keeps you present instead of retreating inward.
💡 Release the pressure to be brilliant
You don’t need a groundbreaking comment. A thoughtful question is enough. It shows you’re engaged and thinking critically — and that’s what leaders notice.
These small acts build presence over time. They’re habits, not performances. The goal isn’t to speak the most — it’s to be present, confident, and visible.
👉 Next week, I’ll share why your presence in big meetings isn’t just about you — it’s about changing the culture for those who come after us.
#LeadershipDevelopment #ConfidenceBuilding #WomenInBusiness #CareerAdvice #Presence