How to Build Confidence for Effective Public Speaking

You must have heard people say ‘be confident’ to someone who is nervous before performing a task. They say that because they know that confidence will magnify their performance significantly. However, confidence cannot be attained overnight; you need to work on it. Let's hear from our subject-matter expert, Rakesh, as he gives some valuable tips and tricks to boost your confidence. Let's dive straight into the video:

These tips are certainly worth remembering. Confidence is the key to tackling stage fear. If you are not confident, your audience is going to lose interest in your performance, and that will make your confidence sink even lower. You do not want that to happen, do you? 

Let's summarise your key learnings from this segment: 

• Confidence is a state of mind and can be built over time.
• Self-confidence and self-esteem are essential for boosting your confidence.
• Do not fear failure and rejections, as that would shatter your confidence.
• Your body language is the first impression of your confidence.
• As mentioned in the video given above, you can expand yourself to feel more confident.
• The following four hacks will help you portray yourself as a confident person: 
  • Keeping your shoulders straight, chest out and chin up
  • Maintain eye contact with the audience
  • Keep a smiling face
  • Speak loudly and clearly
• Work on your self-confidence and self-esteem until you have them in place.

It is important to practice public speaking once you have attained the desired level of confidence. In the next segment, you will learn about the general practices that you can follow to enrich your public speaking skills.

Additional Resources:

• Amy Adkins: Three tips to boost self-confidence 
• 6 ways to look more confident during a presentation
• How to Build Confidence