Presentation Skills - Show Poise Like a Parisian

On a recent trip to Paris, I had the opportunity to sit in cafés, sip my coffee, observe the street scenes in front of me and watch people go by. One of the things I observed was the manner in which the locals went about their business. From the retired couples walking home together with their baguettes to the business people on their way to work and everyone in between, they all carried themselves with confident composure, in other words, poise. Their deliberate stride as they walked, the scarf draping around their neck and shoulders, worn with unapologetic style and the decorum displayed as they greeted the local street vendors, were all traits that define their culture and ones many strive to emulate.

There are definitely some lessons to draw upon here and incorporate into how we can present ourselves when delivering a speech, a pitch or a report in a workplace environment. In one of my training modules for presentation skills, I teach my clients how to develop and show poise for those important and defining presentations. The correlation between Parisian poise and what is needed to portray confidence is worth considering. So, how can we adopt and apply these key traits ourselves? I’ll share a few points from my workshops.

Posture and Presence – Stand tall, shoulders back, and keep your movements deliberate yet natural. Just like a Parisian strolling with confidence, your posture should reflect assurance and credibility. Avoid slouching or shifting nervously; instead, ground yourself firmly and maintain an open stance. This not only conveys authority but also makes you appear more approachable and engaging to your audience.

Pacing and Pausing – Speak at a measured pace. Avoid rushing through your words; instead, allow each point to settle with your audience. Strategic pauses create emphasis and give your speech a sense of rhythm and elegance. Think of your speech as a conversation rather than a race—take the time to enunciate your words and allow for natural breaks. A well-placed pause can build anticipation, reinforce key messages, and make your delivery more compelling.

Authentic Style – Own your voice and mannerisms. While it’s great to learn from skilled speakers, avoid imitating others. Instead, let your natural charisma shine through, just as Parisians carry themselves with effortless individuality. Authenticity resonates with audiences; they can sense when a speaker is genuine versus when they are trying too hard to fit a mold. Speak in a way that feels comfortable and natural to you while remaining professional and articulate.

Engagement and Connection – Maintain eye contact and use open, welcoming gestures. Parisian poise isn’t just about looking polished—it’s about making others feel acknowledged and engaged. Effective speakers don’t just deliver information; they create a dialogue with their audience, even in a formal setting. Smile when appropriate, nod in acknowledgment, and use expressive gestures to reinforce your points. This builds rapport and fosters a sense of connection.

Composure Under Pressure – Stay calm and collected, even when faced with challenges. Just as Parisians navigate their city with grace, a poised speaker handles unexpected moments with ease and professionalism. Whether it’s a technical glitch, a tough question, or an unresponsive audience, maintaining a steady demeanor shows confidence and control. Take a deep breath, collect your thoughts, and respond thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively. Your ability to remain composed will enhance your credibility and leave a lasting impression.

Now, my observations of the Parisian street scenes were, of course, a generalization since there exists a variance from person to person. Though, it’s the overall impression that stuck with me. It is the same with our presentations. We will all display poise in our own individual fashion, but it’s the overall impression that we leave with our audience that is important. We want those paying attention to feel that we are confident in what we convey and that their time is well spent in listening to our message.

Even with all the knowledge on how to do it, I’ve come to realize that poise, like any skill, isn’t something we’re simply born with—it’s something we cultivate over time. Just as Parisians don’t wake up one day and suddenly exude effortless grace, we too must practice and refine our presence in front of an audience. It takes self-awareness, preparation, and sometimes even coaching to develop the kind of confident composure that commands attention.

So, if you find yourself feeling nervous before a big presentation or struggling to maintain poise under pressure, don’t be discouraged. These things take time. The more you practice, the more natural it will feel. Seek feedback, record yourself, work with a coach—whatever it takes to refine your delivery. If it helps, picture yourself with a fashionable scarf thrown over your shoulders! Over time, with patience and persistence, poise will become second nature. You will show poise like a Parisian. And when that happens, you’ll find that you’re not just delivering a speech—you’re owning the room!