5 Public Speaking Exercises for Modern Business Leaders

01 Sep 5 Public Speaking Exercises for Modern Business Leaders

Public speaking reveals a leader’s presence more than almost anything else. The way you use your voice can shape the direction of a conversation, reassure a team in uncertain moments, and leave people with the confidence to act. Strong communication grows from habits that make your delivery natural and your message clear. When your words carry that kind of presence, people are drawn to follow.

5 Speaking Exercises to Sharpen Your Leadership

Introducing these five practices gives you a toolkit that blends form with feeling. Each exercise strengthens a different aspect of delivery and self-assurance, guiding your speaking from routine to compelling.

1. Stand Tall to Command the Room

Adopting an upright posture with shoulders back and chest open steadies your mind and presence. That stance signals confidence to both you and your audience, helping you stay grounded before high-stakes moments.

Before your next presentation, pause for a mini reset: align your posture, breathe evenly, and let that physical calm set the tone for the room.

2. Warm Up with Vocal Drills

Quick drills like “red leather, yellow leather” wake up your tongue, breath, and rhythm. Clear speech projects authority, and a short vocal warm-up reminds you that your body is an instrument of leadership.

Record a brief clip afterward to catch spots where your pace dips or rushes. Over time, these small rituals sharpen clarity and confidence.

3. Strengthen Agility with Impromptu Speaking

Life in the boardroom rarely unfolds in a script. Running a two-minute speech on an everyday object trains you to think, frame, and speak under pressure. You can try this alone or as a quick back-and-forth with a colleague.

From sticky notes to coffee mugs, speaking about the unexpected builds adaptability and conversational strength.

4. Guide Attention with Speaker’s Triangle

Shifting from center to left to right as you transition through ideas. known as the Speaker’s Triangle, guides attention and gives structure to your message. This purposeful movement helps you remember key points while keeping the audience engaged.

Use space as a tool: it creates rhythm, reinforces your message, and distributes focus evenly across the room.

5. Build Trust Through Eye Contact

Connection often comes through stillness. A steady, brief moment of eye contact signals respect and draws listeners in. Instead of scanning, acknowledge individuals with purposeful presence.

This awareness reduces pressure and strengthens trust, turning your talk into a conversation with the room rather than a performance.

Cultivate Public Speaking Confidence with Speakeasy

Every time you practice these public speaking exercises, you’re refining not only what you say but how you show up. Your posture, pacing, word choice, and attentiveness knit together into a leadership presence that speaks volumes. 

Speakeasy has spent nearly five decades helping leaders like you move from preparation to presence. Our programs blend immersive coaching with practical application, turning communication into a strength you carry with confidence and purpose.Offered in person, virtually, or digitally, each experience is designed to fit your schedule and leadership goals.

Deepen your confidence and sharpen your delivery with Speakeasy.  Connect with our team to explore the program that fits your rhythm and leadership goals.