7 Public Speaking Cheat Codes

To ace your next talk or presentation.

You don’t need to be born charismatic.

You just need the right cheat codes – proven shortcuts that make you sound more confident, clear, and compelling.

Having helped 300 CEOs become top 1% speakers, I often start with these 7 cheat codes.

It’s the 80/20 of public speaking and presenting.

💥 1. Open with a bang

Your first 5 seconds decide whether people listen or check out.

Cheat code: Start with a bold claim, question, or story – never a thank-you.

🎯 2. Use the Rule of One

One big idea per talk. One key message per slide.

Cheat code: Ask yourself: If they remember just one thing – what should it be?

⏸️ 3. Pause like a pro

Silence adds drama and gives your message space to land.

Cheat code: Pause before and after your key points.

❤️‍🔥 4. Speak to the heart, then the head

Facts don’t stick. Emotions do.

Cheat code: Start with a story. Back it up with logic. Win both hearts and minds.

👐 5. Let your hands tell your story

Your body speaks before your mouth does.

Cheat code: Open palms = open mind. Use gestures to emphasize, not distract.

🧹 6. Kill the filler

“Uhmm”, “like”, “you know”… drain your presence.

Cheat code: Replace fillers with a pause. It makes you sound confident and in control.

📱 7. Record > Review > Refine

Want fast feedback? Hit record.

Cheat code: Watch your body language, tone, and filler words. One tweak = big impact.

💡Great speakers aren’t born. They’re built – one cheat code at a time.

Which one are you going to try next?