HOW TO SPEAK WITH CONFIDENCE?

Some public speakers are just simply amazing.

These speakers are always so sure of themselves when they give a speech. 

They seem to know what they are talking about and you feel easily convinced by them.

The way they speak makes you want to listen to what they have to say and you trust their every word.

So, what makes these speakers stand out from the rest?

Do they possess magical powers?

Are they using any good luck charms?

It must be intriguing to imagine speakers put their audience under a spell but the answer is no. It has nothing to do with magic. 

Even though I admit their charming personality might be one of the contributing factors.

What is the secret then?

There is no secret.

There is only the truth.

What makes them different is because of one thing.

Confidence

Yes. 
They speak with confidence.

Now that we know this, another question comes into mind.

How do they do it?

How to speak with confidence? I am sure everyone wants to know how we can speak like them.

Here are 9 things that these wonderful speakers do which enable them to speak with confidence and how you can do it too.

 1)Be ready

Speakers who speak with confidence are usually well-prepared. They will research their topic first before they write and present a speech. They make an effort to find out who their audience are. This will help them to choose the right topic for the right audience.

They take the initiatives to get the information regarding the event where they will be delivering the speech. They will get ready everything including the visual aids. In other words, they make sure that nothing is overlooked.

These speakers know the importance of understanding the speech topic by heart. They normally take the necessary steps to improve themselves and polishing their skills from time to time.

So, if you want to speak with confidence, you must ensure that you are fully prepared. When you know you are ready, you can speak without any doubt.

2)Practice

Speakers who speak with confidence always have enough practice.
They practice many times, anytime and anywhere. They practice until they can remember their speech by heart.

They practice until they get better and better! They practice until they get it right. These speakers value the need to practice.

If you wish to speak with confidence, do not deny the importance of practicing. Do not wait until the last minute and hope for miracles. It does not happen that way.

When you practiced well, you will have less stress because you know your speech like the back of your hand. This shall boost your confidence!

3)Speak with purpose

Speakers who speak with confidence always have a purpose. They know why they are giving a speech. They understand their intention to speak in the first place. They are focus into achieving their end goals. They speak with confidence because they see where they are heading which is to reach their desired outcome.

Therefore, if you want to speak with confidence, you must have a purpose. 

Are you creating awareness?
Are you educating people?
What is your motivation? 
Once you recognized the reasons for doing so, you will speak with conviction.

4)Strong positive mindset

Speakers who speak with confidence obviously have strong positive mindset. Because without it, they will not be able to give a speech in such manner. They have high self-esteem and they believe in their own abilities. They are not afraid of criticism and they refuse to give in to fear. Thus, they deliver a speech without any problem.

If you want to speak with confidence too, you must build up a strong mind and apply positive approach to life. In time, you will learn to control your anxiety when giving a speech. Your constructive mindset shall help you to focus on delivering the message instead of thinking about negative issues.

5)Speak with passion

Speakers who speak with confidence are usually passionate about their speech topic. They feel strongly about the speech. Hence, they will speak with enthusiasm. The energy they bring with them when they speak are so powerful and full of emotion. Their passion makes it easier for them to speak with confidence.

In order to speak with confidence, be passionate about your speech topic. When you are excited to speak about something, you will forget about being nervous. All you want to do is to talk about it and you can never get bored.

6)Eye contact

Speakers who speak with confidence will always make eye contact with their listeners. They will look at their audience when they speak which makes them appear remarkably confident.

Remember, your eye contact shows how brave you are. Your eye contact indicates how sincere you are. By having the courage to look into someone’s eyes when you speak proves that you believe in your own words. You seem to be certain, composed, positive and unshakable. Other way to put it; confident.

For that reason, do not avoid eye contact with your audience.

7)Powerful voice

Speakers who speak with confidence often have powerful voice. Their voices are usually soothing, convincing and pleasant. Their voices are clear and loud enough for the audience.

They know when to change the pitch of their voice; lower or higher. The way their voice sound is so mesmerizing, commanding and somehow attractive. It is as if, their voice goes right through your brain and then goes straight to your heart.

The way you use your voice when you speak can reveal your confidence level. If your voice is weak, too soft and shaky, this will show that you are nervous, afraid and not sure of yourself. Find that strength in your voice.

8)Speak at the right pace

Speaker who speaks with confidence know how to speak at the right pace. They do not speak too fast or too slow. They use pauses, tempo with suitable gestures. The way they say the words, their vocal variety and their moment of silence (pauses) make them sound great when they speak.

If you speak too fast, your audience may perceive you as apprehensive. Besides that, your audience might get lost while listening to you. On the other hand, if you speak too slow, your audience may find you a little dull and eventually they will drift away too.

So, if you want to speak with confidence, pay attention to your speaking pace.

9)Look presentable

Speakers who speak with confidence normally look presentable. They are well-dressed, clean and neat. They make sure they look their best. They want to present a good personal image. These speakers like to smile at their audience. They are generally approachable, easy on the eye and pleasant.

By looking presentable, we feel good about ourselves. When we feel good about ourselves, we tend to feel more confident. 

So, make an effort to look good when you give a speech. Wear something that makes you feel beautiful or good looking. Wear your favorite dress, your best shoes or your lucky tie. 

Because believe it or not, the way you look on the outside can influence the way you feel on the inside.

The conclusion…

As a speaker; When you speak with confidence, you will distinguish yourself in the most unique way possible. You will not only be perceived as a good presenter but also a strong, positive, focused and fearless.

Like I mentioned earlier, to be able to speak with confidence, you must be ready, practice well, know your purpose, be positive, be passionate, make eye contact, use your powerful voice, find the right pace and look presentable.

But speaking with confidence does not happen overnight. It may take some years of experience and many speeches to get you there. But if you work hard enough to improve yourself, you might reach there a bit faster. The fact is, your real confidence is within you and it is up to you to find it.

Written by: Intan Salwana Anis

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