Mark Schlarbaum

How to Develop Confidence For Public Speaking

Janet Schlarbaum Good Public Speaker By Andrew S Clayton

Public speaking is the act of speaking on a particular subject in front of a group of people with the intention of influencing, entertaining or informing the listeners. In order to be a good speaker one must be able to influence people, change their opinion, and get the point across. But the important question is, how does one develop confidence for public speaking? Of the many public speaking skills o master, this is perhaps the most important & challenging.

Here are some excellent tips for you to successfully become a good public speaker:

• The first and the foremost secret is to be always well prepared for the speech. Be hundred percent sure of your content and know exactly what you are going to say to your audience. And always know a little more than what is on your speech. This way, you gain confidence as you go along because you know what you are talking about.

• Time your speech well. You will be extra confident if you plan exactly when you will start and finish.

• Even if you are a skilled speaker, you are bound to feel nervous sometimes. Don’t worry, stay calm and turn your nervousness into raw energy that you can use while delivering your speech.

• Relax a bit before the speech. Take a few deep breaths through your nose and let the tension melt away.

• Know your audience well and interact with them before starting on your speech. This way you feel better while speaking. And as you spot familiar faces in the audience looking up to you, your confidence increases tenfold.

• Remember, stage fright is nothing but a manifestation of our lack of belief in our own self. So tell yourself that you are going to speak really well and you will.

• Focus more on the speech than the audience.

• Also, know the area where you are going to deliver the speech. The more comfortable you are in your surroundings, the more flow your speech is going to have. You will sound a lot more confident and at ease.
Always be energetic and alert while giving a speech as it livens up the atmosphere. Spectators look up to you as someone who is very sure of what he is speaking.

• Your body language defines your personality. So don’t slouch, smile excessively or fiddle with your hair or hands. Be confident and maintain a right posture with your head upwards.

• Remember no one really knows how tensed you might be. So even if you make a mistake or an error, move on and don’t let it break your flow. This will maintain your confidence. Smile and stay focused.