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Chalk ritual to prepare a presentation at work

A blackboard and chalk take us back to school, to learning something new and explaining it in front of others. An important meeting, a presentation or a pitch to a client can stir up those same nerves. This ritual uses chalk for something very practical: shaping your message into three ideas, rehearsing until it sounds natural and starting with a sentence that gives you confidence.

By the Cardaluna editorial team · Updated

In short: A blackboard and chalk take us back to school, to learning something new and explaining it in front of others. You need 6 simple items and 5 steps. When: One or two days before a presentation, a client meeting, a training session you are running or any occasion when you need to speak in front of other people.

When to do it

One or two days before a presentation, a client meeting, a training session you are running or any occasion when you need to speak in front of other people.

What you need

  • A small blackboard (chalkboard or kitchen board)
  • Chalk or a liquid chalk marker
  • An eraser or a cloth
  • Your presentation or notes
  • Your phone to record yourself (optional)
  • A glass of water

Step by step

  1. At the top of the board, write the goal of your presentation in one sentence: what you want people to remember or decide when you finish.
  2. Below it, write just three key ideas, one or two words each. If you have more, choose the three most important: the rest can go on your slides.
  3. Rehearse out loud facing the board, standing up and speaking slowly, as if your audience were there. If you like, record yourself and focus on just one thing to improve.
  4. In one corner, write your opening line, the one you'll say as soon as you begin. Repeat it three times until it comes out on its own.
  5. Before bed, slowly wipe the board with the cloth, except for your opening line, and say: "I wipe away the nerves and keep what I know."

Safety first

These rituals are symbolic. Do not ingest herbs or oils, ventilate the room when burning incense or herbs, and never perform a ritual to harm or control anyone.

To finish

On the day, take a sip of water, breathe deeply three times and begin with your opening line. If anyone at home is sensitive to dust, use dustless chalk or a liquid chalk marker, and keep chalk out of reach of young children. To arrive feeling even more confident, pair it with the tiger's eye ritual or the achievement list ritual.