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Have you ever felt your heart race just at the thought of speaking in front of others? You're not alone — public speaking is one of the most common fears!
Building confidence can help turn you into someone who speaks effortlessly in front of others.
With the right mindset and a few simple tips, you can start to turn public speaking from a dreaded task into a skill that you'll actually enjoy.
Did you know?
Visualizing success can actually help you perform better. Studies show that imagining yourself confidently delivering your message and receiving positive reactions primes your brain to succeed. This mental practice reduces anxiety and boosts confidence, making it more likely that you'll perform just as well in real life.
1. Reframe Nervousness as Energy
Feeling nervous? That's totally normal! Instead of fighting it, try seeing it as energy you can use.
This simple mindset shift can help you redirect anxiety into excitement and confidence.
For example, if you're thinking, "What if I mess up?" Try reframing it to, "I'm prepared, and I'm going to do my best!"
Or if your thought is, "Everyone will judge me," shift it to, "I have valuable ideas to share, and the audience is here to listen." When you focus on speaking to inform rather than to impress, it helps ease your nerves.
These alternative thoughts can help you approach public speaking with a more positive mindset.
Did you know?
This trick of telling yourself "I'm excited!" instead of "I'm nervous," is backed by psychology. A technique called "arousal reappraisal" shows that if you treat nerves as energy that you can use (instead of dread), it actually boosts your confidence. Research has found that seeing anxiety as a kind of "fuel" improves performance in public speaking and other high-stress situations.
2. Practice with Low-Stakes Situations
Building confidence starts small. Try practicing in low-pressure situations, like speaking to a friend, talking in front of a mirror, or even recording yourself.
To make the most of these low-stakes situations, consider asking for feedback. For example, you might ask:
Did I speak clearly and at a good pace?
Did I seem confident and engaged?
What stood out the most about my deliver?
If you're practicing alone, record yourself and watch it back to identify areas to improve, such as body language, tone, or pacing. With each practice session, focus on one or two specific aspects to refine.
Did you know?
Power posing, or standing in a confident posture (tall, with your hands on your hips) for just a couple of minutes before speaking — can help reduce stress and increase feelings of confidence. This pre-performance ritual, done in a private space, helps speakers feel more empowered and ready when they eventually face their audience.
3. Own Your Unique Voice
Remember that you don't need to sound like anyone else. Your unique voice is your strength!
Authenticity builds confidence, so focus on expressing yourself in your own way rather than aiming for perfection. People connect with real, relatable speakers. The more you embrace your style, the more confident you'll feel, and your audience will notice.
Quiz
Which action supports building confidence by staying true to your unique voice?
Practicing in your own words and style is the best way to build confidence authentically. Confidence grows when you stay true to yourself and focus on connecting with your audience in your own unique way!
4. Start with Small Audiences and Build Up
Speaking to a big crowd can feel very intimidating, so start small!
Practice with a friend or a small group. As you learn how to be a confident speaker, you can gradually work your way up to larger audiences.
Each experience will build your confidence, making it easier to speak in front of a big group when the time comes.
Did you know?
Pausing briefly when you're not speaking can be a highly effective technique. Many people feel the urge to fill every pause with "um" or "uh," but a completely quiet pause makes you appear more composed. This silence conveys confidence to your audience and gives your words more impact.
5. Embrace Mistakes as Part of Learning
Mistakes are just steps on the path to improvement. Every slip-up is a chance to learn, grow, and get better over time.
When you see mistakes as part of the journey, it takes the pressure off. Public speaking is a skill that grows with each experience. Confidence doesn't come from perfection — it comes from resilience and a commitment to growth.
Quiz
Which approach shows a growth mindset when dealing with mistakes in public speaking?
Embracing mistakes as opportunities for growth allows you to build resilience and confidence. Each experience makes you a stronger speaker!
Take Action
Start building your confidence today with these practical actions!
This Byte has been authored by
Robert Whitcher
Learning Designer
M.A.