What I Learned from My First Presentation in a Foreign Language

Learn how my first presentation in a foreign language taught me valuable lessons about growth, courage, and embracing challenges.

The story of my first presentation in English is an interesting one to share…

Almost ten years ago, I found myself on a plane to Seattle, wide awake, unable to sleep. Not because of the excitement of being in a new country, but because of a constant stream of thoughts running through my mind. I was about to speak giving a presentation at an event on project management, and there was just one catch—I had never given a talk in English before.

As a Brazilian, English wasn’t my first language. And while I had practiced, I kept thinking, What if I don’t understand the questions? What if I stumble over my words?

By the time I arrived in Seattle, I was exhausted from overthinking. But I knew I had to focus on the most important thing: sharing my message, regardless of how poor my English might sound.

When the moment came, my heart raced as I stood in front of the room. The unfamiliarity of speaking and sharing a presentation a different language was overwhelming, but I kept reminding myself why I was there—to contribute, to share, and to connect.

And then something amazing happened. It worked. I delivered my message, and the audience responded with genuine interest. I found myself not just surviving the experience, but thriving in it.

Waiting until you’re 100% ready is an illusion. The perfect moment doesn’t exist; what matters is showing up and trying.

This concept ties into something I later learned from identity capital—a term I picked up from sociologist Meg Jay in her book The Defining Decade. Identity capital refers to the personal value we accumulate through experiences that push us beyond our comfort zones. Speaking at that event with my presentation gave me new identity capital, because I learned by doing. It was a reminder that growth comes not from avoiding risks, but from embracing them.

Reflecting on this experience with the presentation, I no longer believe in waiting for the perfect conditions to do anything. Instead, I believe in trying, failing, learning, and trying again. As leadership expert John C. Maxwell says in Failing Forward: “The difference between average people and achieving people is their perception of and response to failure.”

Your Next Presentation Could Be Your Next Teacher

Facing the unknown can be daunting, but my experience presenting in a foreign language taught me that growth often lies just beyond our comfort zones. Initially, fear threatened to hold me back, but I realized that every challenge like that presentation is an opportunity for learning.

Another important lesson was the power of vulnerability. Sharing a presentation in a language that wasn’t my own made me feel exposed, but it also allowed me to connect with my audience on a deeper level. I learned that vulnerability can foster authenticity and create stronger relationships.

Lastly, I learned that preparation and practice are key to overcoming fear. While I couldn’t eliminate my nerves completely, I found that thorough preparation gave me the confidence to face the challenge head-on. The more I practiced, the more comfortable I became with the material and the language. This experience reinforced the idea that while we may not always feel ready, taking proactive steps can significantly boost our confidence. Embracing the unknown becomes easier when we equip ourselves with the tools and knowledge to navigate it.

That day in Seattle taught me that knowledge sharing is not about perfection. It’s about vulnerability, about being human, and about connecting with others—regardless of the language or the setting. Every attempt, no matter how imperfect, adds value to someone else’s journey.

Now, as I continued over the years to manage large-scale IT projects and lead global teams, I remind myself and the people around me: Don’t wait to be 100% ready. Share what you know, take the leap, and grow from the experience. The perfect moment is now.

What about you? Have you ever faced a moment where you weren’t completely ready, but did it anyway? What did you learn?

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