“Own the room”
You’ve probably heard that phrase — maybe in a meeting, before a presentation, or as advice for a big moment.
And sure, it sounds impressive. Like you need to walk in with power, own the space, command attention.
But here’s the thing: owning the room isn’t about being loud. It’s about being present.
It’s about feeling grounded in your body, connected to what you’re saying, and steady in yourself — even if your heart’s racing or your voice isn’t perfect.
If you’ve ever thought, “I just want to feel stronger when I speak, without trying to be someone I’m not,” — this is for you.
These are three simple, practical shifts that can help you do exactly that — speak more clearly, feel more in control, and show up fully in any room you step into.
1. Use breath to calm your body before you speak
The biggest mistake I see people make when speaking isn’t about what they say — it’s how they breathe.
When we’re nervous, we tend to hold our breath, breathe from the chest, or speak too fast without giving ourselves space. This tells the body: something’s wrong. Your voice tightens. Your thoughts race. And your presence fades.
Instead, try this:
- Take one full breath before you speak
- Let the exhale be slow — longer than the inhale
- Let your shoulders drop, not pull back
- Then begin, speaking from that grounded place
This simple reset shifts your nervous system out of stress mode and into clarity. It doesn’t take long — but it changes everything.
Read my blog post on how to use your breath to manage anxiety, and discover some of my favorite techniques for feeling calm and steady when you speak.
2. Let posture support you, not perform for others
Posture is one of your most powerful tools — not to look confident, but to feel stable, open, and present.
Many people try to “fix” their posture by stiffening or overcorrecting. That only adds tension. What helps is a posture that supports your presence, not your performance.
Try this:
- Plant both feet firmly on the ground
- Let your spine lengthen naturally, without holding tension
- Drop your shoulders rather than pulling them back
- Soften your jaw and let your arms rest loosely
This grounded stance tells your body: I’m safe, I’m here, I belong.
And it signals to others: I’m present, I’m listening, I’m leading.
3. Let go of perfect — and speak from presence
One of the most liberating things you can do when you speak is to let go of the pressure to be perfect.
Perfection disconnects. It keeps you in your head. It makes you focus on how you’re saying something instead of why it matters.
What draws people in isn’t flawlessness — it’s honesty, energy, and connection.
Practice this instead:
- Say what you mean, even if it’s not polished
- Pause and breathe if you lose your words — no one minds
- Let your real voice come through, not a performance version
You don’t need to be loud. You need to be there.
Owning the room isn’t about proving anything.
It’s about showing up — even when it’s messy, even when you’re not sure.
You own the room when you:
✔️ speak up, even if you’re nervous
✔️ take your time, instead of filling every silence
✔️ show up as yourself — not who you think you should be
You don’t need to be fearless.
You don’t need to be the loudest.
You just need to be fully there.
That’s where your real power lives — and with practice, it starts to feel natural. Not just in meetings or on stage, but in everyday life.
Bringing This Work Into the Room
These are some of the key tools we explored during the recent Own the Room workshop I led with GLOW in Geneva — from using breath to steady your nerves, to shifting posture for presence, to letting go of the pressure to be perfect.
It was an incredible day of real connection, practical tools, and powerful shifts.
If you’d like to know more or if you’re interested in hosting a similar workshop — feel free to reach out. I’d love to connect.
