The Mic Hit Me Before I Hit the Stage
I walked into that government training session expecting to teach. But the moment I stepped up, I realised something bigger was happening. The room wasn’t just listening for techniques, they were looking for leadership… presence… permission to step into their own voice.
And as I spoke, I saw something familiar in their eyes: the same questions every man has but rarely says out loud. Questions about confidence, influence, being seen, and being heard in a world where noise is easier than substance.
That’s when it hit me, this isn’t about public speaking. This is about showing up. This is about what men wrestle with every day, in boardrooms, in meetings, in relationships, and in private moments when nobody’s watching.
Let me share what I taught in that room…
And what I realised about all of us.
Presence Is Your First Language (Use It Before You Speak)
I tell men this all the time: you speak long before you open your mouth. Your shoulders, your eyes, your pace, these things announce you. When I walked into that session, I didn’t wait for confidence to hit me. I set it. I stood tall, planted, steady. And like clockwork, the energy shifted. People leaned in. People noticed.
Most men underestimate presence because it feels abstract. It’s not. Presence is a habit. A decision. A stance that tells the world you’re here for a reason. And in that room, it reminded everyone, not just me, that authority starts with how you enter the space.
Your Voice Is a Tool, Not Just Sound
A lot of men talk. Few connect. The difference? Ownership. When I speak, especially to a room that isn’t “my crowd,” I ground myself in three things:
- My message – what I actually believe.
- My pace – slower than what nerves want, faster than doubt allows.
- My intention – influence over expression.
Your voice is your instrument. How you tune it decides how you’re heard.
In that government session, I said something that made a few people look up from their notes:
“You don’t need more words. You need more conviction.”
And every man knows that’s true at home, at work, in life.
Confidence Is Engineered, Not Found
People assume I’m naturally confident because I speak for a living. No.
Confidence came from reps. Failing in small rooms. Succeeding in bigger ones. Getting back up.
In that training session, I could see which guys were holding back. Not because they’re quiet, but because they’re scared to mess up.
But here’s the thing all men need to understand:
You don’t build confidence by waiting. You build it by stepping in before you feel ready.
Confidence is the result of action, not the prerequisite for it.
Impact Is the Real Currency of Manhood
At the end of the session, someone asked me, “How do you stay consistent like this?”
My answer was simple: Impact keeps you moving.
Men are wired to make a difference in their families, their teams, and their communities.
You don’t need to change the world. You just need to change the room you’re in.
Impact isn’t about loudness. It’s about intention + follow-through.
And if there’s one thing every man should walk away with, it’s this:
Presence + Voice + Confidence = Influence.
And influence is how men shape the world around them.
Your Turn to Step Up
I left that government training session with the same message I’ll leave you with now: the room won’t wait for you. The mic won’t wait. The moment won’t wait. Whether it’s a meeting, a conversation, an opportunity, or a challenge, your presence matters before you say a thing.
And if you’re ready to own your voice, sharpen your presence, or step into a stronger version of yourself, take that step now.
Your next room is waiting. Walk in like a man who belongs there.
FAQs
1. How do I build confidence when I feel out of place?
Start with structure: shoulders back, controlled breathing, slower pace. Your body tells your brain you belong. Confidence follows action, not the other way around.
2. What’s the difference between speaking and being heard?
Speaking is sound. Being heard is a connection. You’re heard when your message is clear, your tone carries conviction, and your presence supports your words.
3. How can I show up when I’m nervous or underprepared?
Anchor yourself in one strong point. You don’t need five perfect ideas, just one true one. Lead with clarity, not quantity.
4. What physical cues help me stand out in a room?
Eye contact, steady posture, grounded stance. Enter the room as you’ve already been invited. People respond instantly.
5. How do I craft a message that resonates?
Simplify. Speak from a place of belief, not performance. If you don’t believe your message, no one else will.
6. What mistakes do men commonly make when stepping into leadership?
Speaking too fast, overexplaining, trying to impress instead of influence. Leadership is clarity + calm decision-making.
7. How do I stay authentic when I feel pressure to “perform”?
Tell the truth. Use your own language. People can sense performance, but they trust authenticity.
8. How do I carry confidence into daily life, not just big moments?
Set small wins daily: posture checks, slower speech, direct eye contact, and small intentional conversations. Confidence becomes your default.
9. How do I know I’ve made an impact?
Watch reactions: leaning in, nodding, asking questions, referencing your points later. Impact shows in behaviour, not applause.
10. What’s one simple action I can take today to improve my presence?
Pause before speaking. That two-second breath shifts you from reacting to leading.
Stay Connected with Richard Marshall| CEO and Founder of Pall Mall Barbers
Richard’s journey is proof that no matter where you start, dedication, hard work, and consistency will take you far. It’s a powerful reminder that every challenge is simply an opportunity to grow and achieve something great.
Thank you for being a part of Pall Mall Barbers’ ongoing journey. Stay sharp, keep growing.
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