In my last post I spoke about vulnerability in public speaking. This time I want to share some tips that have helped me build my confidence over the years in public speaking.

Everyone has different techniques and approaches that they use, but here are some that I would recommend based on my own experience. This is not a comprehensive list, but rather, a sample of some very basic and practical things that you can do whenever you are speaking in public. Your confidence as a public speaker will only increase over time if you follow some of these.

1.    Be well prepared. If you fail to plan you plan to fail. Planning is always the key to success.

2.    Know your topic. No-one knows your topic better than you.

3.    Have a well-crafted and structured script that you know well. Remember that words are powerful… but try to keep it conversational.

4.     Practice, practice, practice, practice… not in front of the mirror, but out loud as if you are already on the stage. Practice on your own and in front of a trusted friend who will give you honest feedback.

5.    Speak from the heart and be yourself. Emotion will always trump logic. Be humble and authentic.

6.    Less is always more. Keep your message simple.

7.    Pace yourself and stay focussed.

8.    Use stories to illustrate aspects of your speech. Stories are powerful.

9.    Know who is in the audience and speak to them.

10.  Remember to smile. It will help you connect with your audience. 

And one more…

11.  Remember to breathe…….. it will help to calm your nerves!

The post Tips to build your confidence in public speaking appeared first on Angie Paskevicius.

I’ve been speaking in public for many years. It’s been an integral part of my leadership journey. I can’t quite remember my first time standing up in front of a crowd of people, but I do remember how daunting it was. Public speaking wasn’t a natural skill for me, particularly since I am essentially an introvert. I remember the anxiety and the butterflies in my tummy and the sweaty palms. Fortunately today that doesn’t happen anymore… but I do still feel the excitement and energy before I get up on stage if I’m about to speak to a large crowd of people.

More recently, when I first stood up onstage to share my personal story, I felt very vulnerable. I found it difficult to expose myself so openly in front of so many people. But what I learned was that there are many people in the audience who relate to different things in your story when you allow yourself to speak from the heart and be vulnerable. When you openly share some of the tough stuff that you have experienced in your life, the stuff that has helped shape who you are, there is always someone in the audience who can relate to what you have experienced. Sometimes, there are people in the audience who are in the middle of some tough challenges. Just knowing that someone else has overcome similar challenges, can provide a sense of hope and possibilities for them.

We all have a story to share. I would strongly encourage everyone to think about how and when they might share their story. In my next post I will share some tips that have worked for me to build confidence in public speaking

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