“I can’t think when I speak. My mind goes blank so I just start waffling.”
I hear this from clients constantly. And yes, anxiety can definitely scramble your thoughts. But here’s another possible explanation: You are not waffling because you can’t think while speaking—you are waffling because you didn’t think clearly before speaking.
When the Coach Becomes the Student
Let me tell you about my own recent experience. A web developer asked me to record a video explaining why I needed a new website for my business. I scribbled some notes and hit record. The result? Too waffly. I sounded like I was thinking out loud rather than delivering a clear message. I was unclear because I didn’t know what I really wanted to say.
My mind was swirling with half-formed ideas: business pivot, brand refresh, outdated platform, SEO concerns—all legitimate points, but they were bouncing around. How could I possibly explain something clearly to someone else when it was confused in my own mind?
That’s when I realized I needed to hit pause and actually think. Not just think about the topic, but think through it systematically. Here’s what my second attempt looked like:
Four reasons I need a new website:
- Change in service offerings
- Outdated platform limitations
- Brand refresh requirements
- Need for better blogging functionality
What I want to achieve:
- Improved search rankings (locally and internationally)
- User-friendly blogging experience
- Better client experience
Key decisions to make:
- Platform choice
- URL strategy
- Single site vs. multiple sites
I rewrote this script multiple times before I was satisfied. Only then could I record a video that actually made sense.
The Real Culprit Behind Bad Presentations
When I analyse my clients’ past speaking disasters, a pattern emerges. Initially, they blame themselves: “I’m terrible at public speaking” or “I can’t think on my feet.” But when we dig deeper, the real issue surfaces.
Take Sarah*, who specialized in event venues during COVID. Suddenly, she had to explain complex AV systems for virtual events—territory she’d never navigated before. Or Mark*, thrown into presenting his colleague’s slides at the last minute. Then there was David*, trying to explain a technical issue he only half-understood himself.
In these cases, the “failure” wasn’t about speaking skills—it was about preparation, knowledge, and clarity of thought.
And You Already Know it…
Deep down, you always know when you’re not ready. When I recorded that first video, alarm bells were ringing in my head. But I convinced myself that clarity would magically appear as I started talking. A rookie mistake from a public speaking coach! Of course, for me, it didn’t matter. No one got to see that first video. But it was a remarkably easy trap to fall into for someone who should know better!
Your Pre-Speaking Checklist
Before your next presentation, ask yourself these three non-negotiable questions:
- Am I crystal clear on my key message? Can you state it in one sentence?
- Do I thoroughly understand my topic? Are there gaps in your knowledge that could trip you up?
- Can I connect the dots? Is there a logical flow from your opening to your conclusion?
If you can’t answer “yes” to all three, you’re not ready to speak. And that’s okay—it just means you need more thinking (or researching) time, not speaking practice.
The Bottom Line
Remember your parents or teacher telling you, “Think before you speak”? Still great advice!
The next time you catch yourself waffling, don’t blame your speaking skills or your nerves. First, ask yourself: “Have I actually thought this through?”
Names have been changed to protect privacy.
Written by Catherine Syme
