To establish expertise and confidence in your logo/branding presentations, it's important to approach the process strategically and effectively communicate your design decisions. Here are some tips and strategies to consider:

1. Educate the client: Start by educating your clients about the design process and the importance of strong branding. Explain the rationale behind your design decisions, such as the use of colors, typography, and symbolism. Provide examples of successful logos and brands to help them understand the impact of good design.

2. Set expectations early on: Clearly communicate the project timeline, deliverables, and the number of revision rounds included in the scope. This helps manage client expectations and minimizes the chances of endless revisions.

3. Develop a strong design brief: A comprehensive design brief ensures that both you and the client are aligned on the project goals, target audience, and brand values. This document serves as a reference point throughout the design process and helps avoid subjective feedback.

4. Present multiple concepts: Instead of presenting a single logo concept, provide the client with a range of options. This demonstrates your creativity and expertise while giving the client the opportunity to choose a direction that resonates with them. Presenting multiple concepts also encourages a more objective discussion, rather than focusing solely on personal preferences.

5. Explain your design decisions: During the presentation, explain the rationale behind each design element and how it aligns with the client's goals and target audience. Use visual aids, such as mood boards or mockups, to show how the logo will look in different applications. This helps the client understand the strategic thinking behind your designs and builds confidence in your expertise.

6. Use storytelling techniques: Incorporate storytelling into your presentations to create an emotional connection with the client. Explain the inspiration behind the logo, the story it tells, and how it reflects the brand's values and personality. This approach can help clients appreciate the thought and effort put into the design, making them less likely to request unnecessary changes.

7. Prioritize feedback based on expertise: When receiving feedback, carefully evaluate its validity and relevance. If a client requests changes that compromise the integrity of the design without a strong rationale, politely explain why those changes may not be beneficial for the brand. Use your expertise to guide the client towards making informed decisions that align with their goals.

8. Offer alternatives and compromises: If a client insists on changes that you believe are not in the best interest of the brand, offer alternative solutions or compromises. Show them how minor adjustments can address their concerns without compromising the overall design integrity. This demonstrates your willingness to collaborate while maintaining the quality of the design.

9. Use visual aids and mockups: Present your logo designs in various contexts and applications, such as business cards, websites, or product packaging. Visualizing the logo in real-world scenarios helps clients understand how it will work across different touchpoints and reinforces the strength of your design.

10. Provide a rationale summary: After presenting the designs and discussing feedback, provide a summary that outlines the key design decisions, rationale, and the changes agreed upon. This document serves as a reference point and helps ensure everyone is on the same page moving forward.

Remember, effective communication and collaboration are key to minimizing poor feedback and maintaining the integrity of your designs. By educating your clients, presenting multiple concepts, and explaining your design decisions, you can establish expertise and confidence in your work while fostering a productive client-designer relationship.