Why do we present better without preparation?

 
Last month, I was preparing for a board presentation for one of my clients. They'd hired me to analyse their market position, and now I had to present my findings to their entire board. Simple enough, right?

But here's what my brain decided to do instead:

First, I prepared the presentation. Then I prepared answers for every possible question about their competitors. Then I researched upcoming legislation that might affect their industry. Then I found 47 statistics about market trends that someone could ask about. Then I created backup slides for the backup slides.

Three days later, I'm drowning in research papers at 2am, wondering how I got here.

Sound familiar?

When over-preparing backfires

When the actual presentation came, my mind was so cluttered with facts and "what-ifs" that I stumbled through my main insights. I was so busy trying to control every possible outcome that I forgot to do the one thing that mattered: help them see the opportunity I'd uncovered.

This happens in meetings too.

Last month, during a project update call, I spotted a gap in my client's go to market approach. But instead of sharing it, I spent 10 minutes mentally editing it: "What if their CMO already considered this? What if it conflicts with their current strategy? Let me phrase it differently..."

By the time I'd perfected my words, they'd moved on to budget discussions. My "perfect" insight stayed locked in my head.

The accidental pitch that worked perfectly

But here's what's strange.

Two weeks ago, I was having coffee with a former colleague. Without any preparation, I told her about this new prioritisation framework I'd been developing. My eyes lit up. My hands moved as I explained. She leaned in, asked questions, and by the end, she wanted to hire me to apply it to her business.

No slides, rehearsal or overthinking.

Just... talking.

That's when it hit me: I'd just given the most influential "presentation", and I hadn't prepared a single word.

Why controlling every word kills your influence

Here's what's actually happening when we over-prepare:

Think about breathing. Right now, you're doing it perfectly without thinking. But the moment I ask you to control your breathing - take a deep breath now - suddenly it feels forced, doesn't it?

The same thing happens with communication.

When you try to control every word, you shut down your natural ability to:

• Read the room and adjust your message

• Form creative connections as you speak

• Stay calm and focused

• Connect authentically with others

Your conscious mind hijacks what your subconscious already knows how to do.

Three words that transformed my presentations

So what changed my approach?

Three words: Let it happen.

I'm not saying wing it completely. Have your structure and know your key points.

But stop trying to control the uncontrollable.

Here's what I do now:

Before client presentations: Instead of memorising 50 potential answers, I ask myself one question: "What's the core insight that will transform their business?"

During client meetings: When I spot an opportunity, I count to three and share it. Not perfectly, just honestly. "Based on what I'm seeing in your data, here's a possibility..."

The result?

My last board presentation? I covered my three main insights, stayed present with their questions, and had a real conversation about their market opportunities. The client said it was the clearest strategic direction they'd received in a while.

Those insights I would have kept to myself? When I finally started sharing them immediately, clients started building on them. My "imperfect" observations sparked better strategies than my "perfect" ones ever could.

Your challenge this week

Pick one situation where you usually over-prepare. Maybe it's:

• Client presentations

• Strategy sessions

• Project updates

Instead of your usual preparation marathon, try this:

1. Write down your three key insights

2. Take one deep breath

3. Trust yourself to handle whatever comes up

Because here's the truth: The magic happens in the moment, not in the preparation.

When you stop trying to control every word, you make space for your expertise to shine through naturally.

And that authentic, responsive, in-the-moment you? That's the leader who truly influences boardrooms.