How I Prepare for Speaking Events like SXSW
You usually see the highlight moment.
The big stage photo. Big smile. Arms out.
But that moment is built on a lot of behind-the-scenes prep.
I’m speaking at SXSW this year on “How to Not Be Cringey on Camera”, where I’ll share insider media strategies to help people show up confidently on video and on stage. (SXSW 2026 Schedule)
Here’s what my real prep looks like.
1. I revise the deck… a lot
This SXSW talk is longer than many of my talks, which means I’m thinking carefully about pacing.
My goal is never to just “present slides.”
It’s to create moments.
So I constantly tweak the flow and add interactive pieces so the audience is learning, practicing, and laughing with me instead of passively watching.
2. I practice out loud (yes, actually out loud)
Practicing in your head is not practicing. I run through the talk as if the audience is already there. I test timing, jokes, and transitions.
And sometimes I recruit the best stand-in audience I know… my mom. She even helps time sections. I advice hiring an actual coach (which I also have! I work with a speaking coach). But also pick someone who will be honest about which sections need more energy, when you’re talking too fast…
3. I design worksheets
When I’m teaching video skills, I want people doing the work. So I design worksheets so attendees can practice concepts during the session instead of just scrolling their phones.
(Except when I ask them to get on camera, of course.)
4. I test outfits
Stage presence matters.
For SXSW I’m debating important questions like: Jumpsuit or dress? Yellow or white?
What you wear should make you feel confident and energetic. When you feel good, you show up differently.
5. I hunt for chargers
Every speaker knows this one.
The night before a big talk turns into a scavenger hunt for laptop chargers, clickers, adapters and microphones.
Where do they all disappear to?
The real truth about speaking
People see the stage moment.
But the confidence comes from preparation.
Practicing.
Refining.
Testing.
Adjusting.
Then when the lights come up and the audience is there, you’re not hoping it goes well.
You know it will.
If you’ll be at SXSW, come say hi.
And if you want to get better on camera or on stage, grab this free download - How to Be A Non Cringey Thought Leader!
Want to have me teach your team how to be seen as a thought leader?
Connect to book Kim for your next event by connecting here and see her other speaking topics here: https://www.kimrittberg.com/speaker
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Meet Kim: Kim Rittberg runs an award-winning company that helps real estate agents & business owners grow their leads, income and credibility with video and podcasts. Before that, Kim was a TV news producer for a decade and trained thousands of people to be calm, cool and collected for live TV interviews. She also launched the digital video unit for Us Weekly leading to its $100 million sale, and was a video marketing executive at Netflix & PopSugar. She’s been featured in Forbes and Fast Company, and speaks on stages across the country. Kim ditched corporate once she found herself working in the hospital delivery room as she gave birth (seriously!) and now she is committed to helping business owners, coaches, agents & consultants find your own balanced path and build a thriving business!