Permission Granted: 15 Ways to Enhance Your Speaking and Business

We’ve all heard them—the unwritten rules of the speaking business. You know, the ones that tell you how to be a “good” speaker, how to act on stage, and what not to do if you want to look professional.

But here’s the thing…

A lot of these so-called rules aren’t helping you. In fact, they might be holding you back! They can stifle your authenticity, limit your effectiveness, and worst of all, make you blend in with every other speaker out there.

Let’s get into it!

On-Stage Permissions That Change Everything

1. Permission to Take a Silent Pause

Silence on stage feels awkward, right? Two seconds can seem like twenty. But here’s the truth: deliberate pauses are like music. They add emphasis, allow the audience to process your message, and show confidence. Heck, they even make your jokes funnier! 

When you let the silence sit, the audience sits with it. And that can make a world of difference.

2. Permission to Drink Water Mid-Presentation

I don’t know why this feels taboo, but I know speakers who refuse to take a sip of water because they think it looks unprofessional. 

Come on! Staying hydrated isn’t just practical—it’s necessary. You need to maintain your voice.  Plus, those natural water breaks can give the audience a moment to process what you’ve said. And if you’re sneaky, it’s also a great way to sneak in a silent pause.

3. Permission to Say 'I Don’t Know'

Admitting you don’t know something might feel risky. You might worry it’ll undermine your credibility. But when you own your ignorance, it actually builds trust. 

Kris Kelso, who wrote a book about “humble confidence,” believes it’s a great way to build authenticity and trust. It redirects your expertise and creates deep audience engagement. 

Admitting your knowledge gap can actually strengthen your connection with the audience, so you shouldn’t be afraid to do it.

4. Permission to Move Away from the Podium

It feels safe behind the podium or staying in a fixed position with your notes or laptop. But freedom of movement creates energy and allows the audience to connect with you better. You don't need to use the podium—give yourself permission to use the space to make the biggest impact.

5. Permission to Make Direct Eye Contact

Yes, it can be intense. Yes, it might make you feel uncomfortable. But making eye contact with your audience creates an incredible connection. You can read their reactions, adjust your delivery, and get even bigger responses. The more you do it, the easier it gets—and the bigger impact you’ll make.

6. Permission to Skip Rhetorical Questions

You know the ones...

“How are you all doing today?” or “How many of you think…?”

These questions are meant to engage the audience, but they often feel forced. 

Avoiding forced engagement techniques creates a much more authentic interaction with your audience. You don’t need these rhetorical questions—just skip them.