how soon out from a show should I start practicing posing?

I believe it is best to practice posing year round. But specifically for show prep I start 2 15 minute posing sessions at 12 weeks out. By 6 weeks out, I fully believe you should be able to hold any pose comfortably for any amount of time. I also pull up the Olympia footage and listen to the judges callouts to practice the rounds. Get comfortable with holding your poses like you are one of the best in the world.

How do you bring stage presence and confidence to your show?

You should be posing in your off-season right into your on-season, as your body is always changing, and you want to understand your body and what looks best.