As the holidays approach, gratitude becomes a theme we hear everywhere—but for speakers, it’s more than a seasonal sentiment. It’s a powerful mindset shift that strengthens your confidence, presence, and impact every time you step on a stage or into a conference room.
Too often, speakers focus on the challenges: the hours of preparation, the stress of booking gigs, the nerves that hit the moment before stepping into the spotlight, or the inevitable technical hiccups that show up at the worst possible moment. As a presentation and presence coach, I hear about these struggles all the time. And yes—speaking can be demanding.
But it’s also an extraordinary privilege.
So today, I want to offer a gentle reminder: there is so much to be thankful for as a speaker. Here are 18 reasons to anchor yourself in gratitude every time you present.
18 Reasons to Be Thankful as a Speaker
1. Be thankful for the chance to change perspectives—and even lives—with your words.
Every talk is an opportunity to shift someone’s thinking, spark an idea, or offer hope.
2. Be thankful for preparation time.
Whether long or short, preparation helps you internalize your message and show up fully present.
3. Be thankful for every “oops” and glitch.
A dead battery or a frozen slide deck isn’t failure—it’s practice for resilience, adaptability, and professionalism.
4. Be thankful for the people who trust you to speak.
Anyone who invites you to present believes you have something meaningful to offer.
5. Be thankful for the life experiences that shaped your wisdom.
Your stories and perspective are your superpower.
6. Be thankful for the technology that elevates your message.
From slides to microphones, these tools help your audience connect more deeply with your content.
7. Be thankful you can research and market yourself.
Not everyone has the drive or skill to strategically pursue the stages they dream about—you do.
8. Be thankful for your signature stories.
Your lived experiences make your message memorable.
9. Be thankful for the people who recommend you.
Referrals are the highest form of professional trust.
10. Be thankful for last-minute requests.
They sharpen your instincts and help you make bold decisions quickly.
11. Be thankful for the adrenaline.
That surge of energy means you’re about to do something meaningful.
12. Be thankful for every audience—engaged or not.
Your job is to serve, and each audience gives you the opportunity to practice that service.
13. Be thankful for your voice and message.
Not everyone chooses to use theirs. You do.
14. Be thankful for the purpose that drives you.
Your “why” is what makes your delivery magnetic.
15. Be thankful for the resources that help you grow.
Coaches, books, mentors, and teachers exist to support your evolution.
16. Be thankful for positive feedback.
Every compliment is a deposit in your Confidence Bank.
17. Be thankful that there’s always something new to learn.
The speaking craft is endlessly rich—and every new skill increases your impact.
18. Be thankful for your Charismatic Presence.
Only you have your unique blend of energy, authenticity, and magnetism. It’s what makes audiences lean in.
What Are You Thankful For as a Speaker?
As you reflect on your speaking journey, take a moment to consider what gratitude looks like for you. What have you gained? What have you learned? What strengths have been shaped along the way?
And if no one has told you this today, let me be the first:
Whether you’re pitching your big idea, delivering your signature keynote, or presenting data at a team meeting, your voice matters. Your message matters. And I believe in you.
If you’d like to chat about your speaking goals or get support crafting a talk or pitch, feel free to reach out—I’d love to connect.
Ready to elevate your presence and presentation skills?
Let’s find time to talk.
Join me every other Wednesday at 3 PM EST on LinkedIn Live, where I dive into tools and techniques from my award-winning, best-selling book Charismatic Presence: 5 Principles For Magnetic Presentations.
📘 P.S. Buy my new book, Charismatic Presence: Five Principles for Magnetic Presentations
Follow me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenikelakos/
Eleni Kelakos, CSP The Speaker Whisperer®