Have you ever thought about how we present ideas to the world every day, in one way or another? Whether it’s when you meet someone new and they ask, "What do you do?" or when you share an idea with a friend, or when you explain to someone about a blockchain-based social network where you can earn money for the same content you post on Instagram for free?

No matter what you do or what you talk about, you are presenting yourself or your idea to the world. And depending on how you do that, the world responds with opportunities.

For those who don’t know me — my name is Kate Kornish. I am a professional classical musician with qualification in psychology, who helps people to communicate their work to external world.

Throughout my career, I have not only performed on world stages but also consulted artists and founders, helping them improve their presentations and sales skills.

Over the years, I have learned one important thing: a successful performance or a story about a product always starts with….

……your inner state.

Many people believe that a successful presentation is solely about content: what to say, how to structure it, which numbers and facts to present. But if you view a presentation merely as a collection of facts, without considering your inner attitude, you risk boring your audience to despair.

This is what i’ve seen at most business and crypto conferences or presentations i’ve been to.

And trust me. Even if people are telling you it was amazing, when they come back home and tell their family about your presentation — it will not have anything to do with the word amazing.

A presentation is a story. And a story is like music. It’s not just about technical execution — it’s about the emotions the “musician” conveys through their performance. It’s the way they tell their stories. If they don’t know how to create an emotional response, their performance won’t bring opportunities, even if technically it is perfect.

Your clients, investors, or colleagues respond not only to what you say but mostly how you say it. If you are confident, and inner state is balanced, the audience will feel it and start to engage. Conversely, if you feel uncertainty, anxiety, or doubt, it is instantly conveyed, even if you are trying to appear calm on the outside.

Remember the most brilliant project presentations. Was it simply a genius project? Not at all. It was a passion and unwavering confidence in the product—their belief in every word. This is the energy that comes from within, the energy that breathes life into a vision, inspiring people to believe in what you're doing and to follow you. And surprisingly, it’s this very energy that drives the creation of a great product, not the other way around.

So even if you have memorized a presentation, displayed amazing graphics and statistics, but if you lack certain skills, authenticity, an inner calm, investors or clients might not believe in the success of the product or idea or even think the product is poorly made, even if that is far from the truth.

Yes, that's how primitive our brains are in responding to these things.

There is a vast array of techniques and guides on sales and presentations: how to build arguments, which words to use, how to structure a dialogue. All of these tips can be helpful, but their effectiveness always depends on the state in which you apply them.

From a psychological perspective, preparing your inner state before a presentation is akin to mental training, similar to preparing a musician for a concert or an athlete before a competition. Ask @afrochics, I’m sure she will confirm it.

Mike Tyson, for example, before fights included confidence training and visualization of success with his coach. Hugh Jackman and Meryl Streep frequently use breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and achieve peak focus. Marlon Brando and Dustin Hoffman used emotional memory to evoke real feelings by recalling similar personal experiences.

1. Psychological Preparation: techniques that help enter a state of confidence and calmness. This can include breathing exercises, meditation, or specific psychological training. For example:

Exercise: The 4-7-8 Technique

Sit comfortably with a straight back, hands resting on your knees, and relax.

Close your eyes and exhale fully through your mouth, emptying your lungs.

Inhale quietly through your nose to a count of 4, filling your lungs slowly.

Hold your breath for a count of 7, allowing your body to absorb the breath.

Exhale slowly through your mouth to a count of 8, releasing all the air.

Repeat this cycle 3-4 times.

This technique can help lower anxiety, ground your energy, and bring a sense of calm confidence.

Exercise: "Grounding Through the Five Senses"

This exercise helps you return to the present moment, easing anxiety and tension.

1. Identify 5 things you can see. Look around and observe them closely, noting their shapes, colors, and any small details.

2. Find 4 things you can touch. This could be your own hands, the fabric of your clothes, or any nearby object. Focus on the texture.

3. Listen for 3 sounds around you. Try to notice even the quietest sounds, whether it's the hum of ventilation, street noise, or your own breathing.

4. Identify 2 smells. If there are no strong odors nearby, concentrate on the fresh air or your own scent.

5. Notice 1 taste. You can take a small sip of water or focus on the taste in your mouth.

2. Working with Emotional Intelligence / Soft Skills: Your inner state is directly related to your emotional intelligence — the ability to feel yourself and your audience. To develop emotional flexibility, allowing you to not only feel confident but also better understand the motives and reactions of your clients, so you can find a key to change their lives.

Exercise: "Empathy Mapping"

This exercise helps you become more aware of your own emotions while also understanding the emotions and motivations of your audience.

Choose a Recent Interaction: Think of a recent conversation or presentation where you interacted with others, whether it was in a business setting, a social event, or a presentation.

1. Reflect on Your Feelings: Take a moment to write down how you felt during that interaction. Consider emotions such as excitement, anxiety, confidence, or uncertainty. Ask yourself:

   • What emotions did I experience?

   • Why did I feel that way?

2. Consider Your Audience's Perspective: Now, shift your focus to the people you interacted with. Write down what you think they might have felt during the conversation or presentation. Consider:

   • What were their emotions? (e.g., engaged, confused, bored)

   • What motivated their responses or questions?

   • How did my words and actions influence their feelings?

3. Identify Connections: Look for patterns between your feelings and those of your audience. Ask yourself:

   Where there moments when my emotions affected theirs?

   How can understanding their emotions help me connect better in future interactions?

4. Practice Active Listening: In your next interaction, focus on actively listening to your audience. Pay attention to their body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions. This will help you gauge their emotional state in real-time and adjust your approach accordingly.

Of course, these exercises are only the first steps toward understanding what inner state is truly about. And rest assured, these practices go far beyond the context of a simple work presentation.

And even if you see yourself as a person of pure logic, thinking that emotions don’t play a role in your approach— especially for you this article is just the most important thing you’ve read today. Because mastering your inner state is about much more than personal confidence. It’s about unlocking a level of connection and influence that logic alone can’t reach. When you align your inner state with your message, you don’t just communicate — you inspire, you move, and you create lasting impact. In a world driven by connection, this ability could be your greatest strength. Especially in leadership.

“The most important thing is to be passionate about what you’re doing and to be able to convey that passion to others.” Steve Jobs

I wish everyone who read this article today will fully pay attention to their inner state and how this is a foundation that makes your project not just another technology on the market, but a story that people want to hear and support.

Thank you for reading this,

Kate Kornish