Some people are naturally excellent public speakers. They don’t stumble over their words, lose their train of thought, or get overwhelmed with anxiety at the thought of making a mistake in front of everyone.
However, for most people, this is not the case. Public speaking routinely ranks as one of the top fears when individuals are surveyed or asked about the subject. What is the root of this anxiety and stress? Most likely, it comes down to a lack of confidence. So, how does one alter their perception of public speaking and gain confidence in the boardroom, courtroom, or any public setting? Here are a few tips:
Dress for Success: National Football League player and personality Deion Sanders has a famous quote: “If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you play good. If you play good, they pay good.” While that may seem like an over-the-top example, he was onto something. When your attire is fashionable and comfortable, you feel more confident. Wearing clothing that fits you appropriately and is flattering may seem trivial, but this simple thing can go a long way in making you feel relaxed and less anxious about standing in front of an audience.
Treat it Like a Conversation: When people are nervous, they often try to stand still and speak quickly to get through the presentation or speech. That isn’t how we speak to our friends or colleagues though. We smile, use hand gestures, use inflection in our voices, and tell a story. While the tone of public speaking will be more formal than a chat with a friend, the authenticity of an organic conversation will make it feel less stressful and more interesting for the audience, regardless of who that may be.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Before the time comes to deliver your remarks, presentation, or speech, be sure to practice it. Don’t just read your notes aloud either; stand in front of the mirror and act as if you were speaking to a live audience. Practice with your notes or cues, and then try it again without them. Time yourself using your phone or a stopwatch, so you can get a good idea of how long you will speak. If there is a large time discrepancy between trial runs, use that as an opportunity to revisit your notes to better determine which talking points are most important and prioritize those.
Be Yourself: Everyone has their own style. Some people use appropriate humor to lighten the mood or to make a point more candidly. Some people are very direct or intense; others are excellent storytellers, who use metaphors to make their case and keep the audience’s interest. The thing that may be most crucial to being a confident speaker is to be yourself. If you are genuine and authentic, there’s no reason to be anxious—you can simply present the facts, make your points, state your argument, etc. If it comes from a place of sincerity, it will likely be received well by the audience.
Think of confidence like any other life skill; the more you practice it, the more natural it will feel.