How to Pitch with Confidence – 9 Lessons from Dragons’ Den Alum Hannah Saunders

Whether you're presenting to investors, pitching to clients, or leading a team, one thing makes all the difference: confidence.

But let’s be honest, standing in front of a room full of people or even a single investor can be nerve-wracking, no matter how solid your idea is.

The good news? Confidence isn’t something you’re born with; it’s something you build.
And in my experience, it’s often the difference between being heard… and being remembered.

🎤 How to Talk Confidently (Even When You’re Nervous)

Here are 9 practical ways to build your presence, steady your voice, and own the room:

1. Own Your Space

Where and how you position yourself matters. Whether you're on stage or in a meeting, stand or sit where you can address everyone naturally without swivelling, fidgeting or disappearing into the corner.

The more grounded you appear, the more in control you’ll feel.

2. Speak with Intent

The language you use tells people how confident you are, often before they even process your message.

💬 Instead of saying “We’d like to…”, say “We will…”
💬 Swap “We hope to…” for “We plan to…”

It’s a subtle shift, but it immediately projects clarity and conviction.

3. Slow Down and Breathe

It’s completely normal to speak quickly when you’re nervous, but your message lands more powerfully when you give it room to breathe.

📍 Slow down.
📍 Pause for effect.
📍 Let your words land.

4. Be Comfortable with Silence

This might be the hardest one especially when adrenaline kicks in, but silence is a sign of confidence.

When you pause with purpose, people lean in.

Let your message sit for a moment. You’re not just speaking, you’re shaping attention.

Silence is not your enemy; it’s a sign of composure.

5. Practice More Than You Think You Need To

When I was preparing for my pitch on Dragons’ Den, I practised it more than 300 times.

Yes, really!

That level of repetition made it feel like second nature even under the pressure of lights, cameras, and five of Britain’s toughest investors.

🎥 Tip: Record yourself. Play it back. Spot your habits. Then refine and improve.

🎯 Memorise your opening line, it sets the tone for the entire pitch.

6. Use Your Body Language as a Tool

It’s been said that communication is:

• 7% words

• 38% tone of voice

• 55% body language

So yes, your posture, your movement, your eye contact, they all speak louder than the content on your slides.

✅ Walk in with your shoulders back and your head held high
✅ Make intentional eye contact
✅ Smile, where appropriate
✅ Consider a “power pose” beforehand to steady your nerves (Amy Cuddy’s TED Talk is a great place to start)

7. Optimise Your Pre-Pitch Routine

Right before my Dragons’ Den pitch, I went for a run. It helped me channel nervous energy and focus my mind.

You don’t need to sprint before every meeting, but build a routine that works for you:

• Light exercise to ground you

• Avoid caffeine (especially if you’re prone to jitters)

• Deep breathing or short mindfulness exercises

• Walk through your slides one last time, then let go

8. Shift Your Mindset

One of the most powerful mindset shifts you can make before a big pitch:

💭 “Are they good enough for my business?”

It’s not about arrogance, it’s about ownership.

You’ve built something. You’re doing the hard work. You belong in that room.

9. Trust Is Built in Delivery

Confidence isn’t about being loud. It’s about being intentional, calm, and clear.

The way you deliver your message, your pacing, your tone, your energy builds trust. And trust is what moves people to action.

Final Thought

Talking confidently doesn’t mean performing.
It means showing up prepared, being fully present, and speaking with authenticity.

Most people won’t remember everything you say, but they’ll remember how you made them feel.

So show up with clarity, control, and conviction and they’ll listen.