You don’t need to be confident to speak in public. You simply need to appear confident.
I know many speakers who have ‘nerves’ before speaking. They learn to manage these ‘nerves’. They learn to project confidence. They have faith that the confidence will come. It’s bit like relying on technology. Some modern cars will stop themselves when you forget to hit the brakes. You need to have faith that they will stop.
Some simple techniques.
Prepare the opening and closing until it is second nature.
Use your ‘radio’ voice. Get their attention immediately with your projection.
Warm up before by reading or speaking aloud or….humming.
Avoid unhelpful thoughts by letting them pass by – don’t engage them.
If you like preparing, thoughtfully, choose a thought like ‘This is a great audience, they are interested in my topic’ and replay it in your mind.
You can’t always be confident beforehand. Confidence comes after. Faith or belief in yourself can come before. Focus on doing your best. You can’t do any more. Give it your best shot and let them decide on the value. Your job is to present. Their’s is to learn. Treat their feedback as helpful advice that you may use or not use.
Confidence comes later. Speak as if you are confident. Strong voice. Grounded stance. Commanding gaze. Captivating opening. A close worth standing for.
If you need help with any of this, I can help with Public Speaking Training or Coaching.
This is my 30th year of working as a professional speaker in Australia and overseas. I am also a founding member of the National Speakers Association in Victoria.
Contact me if you need help to design and deliver a professional speech.
Paddy Spruce CSP
www.paddyspruce.com.au
