Let’s face it, when it comes to public speaking, we’re all looking for that magic something that’s going to boost our self-confidence and take away the anxiety.
Here are five areas I suggest you focus on to come across as a confident public speaker.
1. Mindset
I talk about this with every single one of my clients. Having a mindset – a mental attitude – that is going to support your performance rather than hinder it, is a must. Remember and BELIEVE that the audience are focusing on your presentation message, they’re not focusing on and judging you as much as you think. So, get out of your own way here. Focus your energy out towards the audience and tune in to speaking to them clearly and in a language that is simple to understand.
2. Breath
We often forget how important our breath is. Let’s face it, without our breath we wouldn’t be able to speak! But when we’re nervous, our breathing becomes quick and shallow. Be aware of this and use pauses in your speaking to breathe more deeply and slowly. By doing this you consciously send a message to your brain that there is no ‘threat’. Slower breathing will actually calm your nerves because it calms your brain.
3.Voice
Slower breathing most definitely impacts your voice for the better. It also clears your mind giving you time to work on the conscious aspects of your speaking such as slowing the pace and using those pauses to add weight to your words.
Another tip to come across as confident is to make sure you articulate your words. Clear speaking via good articulation, projects clear thinking. No audience will engage with a message that seems confusing. And they certainly won’t engage with a message if they can’t hear it well because they can’t decipher some of your words!
4. Body
Your body communicates. It cannot not communicate. If you feel nervous your body will want to close in and get smaller (from the evolutionary reaction of making ourselves less visible to possible attackers). You will want to avert eye contact. Resist these urges. Make sure you’re speaking with an open posture whether it’s virtual or in-person. No crossed arms or legs. Shoulders back. Head up. A small smile. Make eye contact. The secret is to look/act as if you are happy to be there. Your body will respond to this and start sending you small signals that communicate confidence – really! Try it!
For the research behind this, watch Amy Cuddy’s hugely popular TED Talk ‘Your Body Language may Shape who you are’ This TED Talk has had 27 million views!
5. Connection
I always say – without connection there is no communication. I know this can be REALLY difficult when you’re feeling anxious, but if you let your intention be to CONNECT with your audience rather than to give a perfect presentation, you are indeed more likely to give a better presentation. Make this your mantra – aim for connection, not perfection.
How can you connect? As I said earlier, focus your energy out towards the audience. Tune into the WHY of your presentation, in the sense of how your message is going to benefit the audience in some way.
Don’t look at your notes so much, look at the audience. If you do use notes, just glance down at them as you pause, then look up to start speaking.
Hold your pauses while you think, making eye contact at the same time; this sends a strong message to your audience that you’re making a sincere effort to choose the words that will be most beneficial for THEM.
Speaking with confidence is an ongoing development journey and indeed, many other factors play a part such as knowing your subject and preparing and practising your presentations.
However, if you choose just one of the above areas to work on, you’ll see improvement even if it’s initially small. Remember, small improvements gain momentum and if you keep at it, you WILL feel that experience of being a confident speaker.
If you have experience presenting, especially as a non-native speaker, what has helped you the most in your journey to becoming more confident?
