How to Be a Confident Public Speaker

​Public speaking is one of the most common fears, but the ability to speak confidently in front of an audience is a skill that can be developed over time. Whether you’re delivering a presentation at work, speaking at a social event, or giving a speech to a large audience, mastering public speaking can help you become a more effective communicator and build your self-confidence.
Here are some practical exercises that can help you build your confidence as a public speaker. 

Why Confidence Matters in Public Speaking
Confidence plays a crucial role in public speaking. When you speak with confidence, you are more likely to engage your audience, convey your message clearly, and appear credible. On the other hand, a lack of confidence can cause you to stutter, lose focus, and struggle to connect with your listeners.
Confidence doesn’t come overnight, but it is absolutely achievable. The good news is that anyone can become a confident speaker with the right techniques and practice. Let’s dive into some effective exercises to help you get there.

1. Practice Deep Breathing for Calmness and Focus
Before you step up to speak, it’s natural to feel a rush of nervous energy. Deep breathing exercises can help you calm your nerves and focus your mind, allowing you to speak clearly and confidently.
How to do it:

• Find a quiet spot before your speaking engagement and take a few minutes to calm your nerves.
• Sit or stand with your back straight. Place one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest.
• Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your belly to rise (not your chest). Take a slow, deep breath for about 4 seconds.
• Hold your breath for 2 seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth for about 6 seconds, feeling the tension leave your body.
• Repeat this breathing exercise for about 5 minutes before speaking, and practice it daily to make it a natural part of your pre-speech routine.

Deep breathing not only helps reduce anxiety, but it also ensures that you have plenty of air to speak clearly, allowing you to project your voice effectively.

2. Practice Your Speech Aloud
One of the best ways to become more confident in public speaking is through consistent practice. The more you rehearse your speech, the more comfortable you’ll feel with the material, and the less likely you are to get flustered when you’re in front of an audience.
How to do it:

• Write out the speech or presentation you want to deliver and rehearse it aloud.
• Speak slowly and clearly, paying attention to your tone and body language.
• Record yourself while practicing so you can listen back to identify areas where you may need improvement, such as pacing or tone.
• Rehearse in front of a mirror to observe your body language and facial expressions.
• Practice in front of a friend, family member, or colleague to get feedback and suggestions.

The more you practice speaking in front of others, the more comfortable and confident you will become. Additionally, practicing aloud allows you to refine your delivery and find a rhythm that works best for you.

3. Work on Your Body Language
Your body language plays a significant role in how confident you appear when speaking. Standing tall, making eye contact, and using purposeful gestures can convey confidence, even if you’re feeling nervous inside.
How to do it:

• Posture: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and shoulders back. A strong, grounded posture not only makes you appear more confident, but it also helps you project your voice.
• Eye Contact: Make eye contact with your audience to create a sense of connection and trust. Avoid looking down at your notes or overloading your audience with glances—make eye contact with different people in the room to engage them.
• Gestures: Use your hands naturally to emphasize points, but avoid excessive fidgeting or crossing your arms, as this can make you appear closed off or unsure.
• Smile: Smiling not only makes you seem more approachable, but it also helps you feel more confident. Smiling releases endorphins, which can help reduce stress and improve your mood.

Body language can influence how your audience perceives you and can also help you feel more in control of the situation. When you stand confidently, you are more likely to feel confident.

4. Start Small with Low-Stakes Speaking Opportunities
If you’re new to public speaking or have anxiety about speaking in front of large audiences, it’s helpful to start with smaller, low-stakes opportunities. These can help you build experience and confidence in a more comfortable environment.
How to do it:

• Volunteer to speak at smaller gatherings, such as team meetings, workshops, or community events. The stakes are lower, so you can focus more on the experience rather than on perfection.
• Join a group like Toastmasters, which is dedicated to helping individuals practice public speaking in a supportive, non-judgmental setting. This is a great way to gain valuable speaking experience and receive constructive feedback.
• Practice speaking in front of friends or family members. You can start with a casual conversation and gradually build up to more formal presentations.

By gradually increasing the difficulty of your speaking opportunities, you’ll build experience and confidence at a pace that feels comfortable to you.

5. Manage Mistakes Gracefully
Even the most experienced public speakers make mistakes from time to time. Instead of letting a mistake throw you off course, embrace it as part of the process. Being able to recover from a slip-up with grace will help you maintain your confidence and keep your audience engaged.
How to do it:

• If you make a mistake, acknowledge it with humour or a brief comment, then move on. For example, you can say, “Oops! Let me rephrase that,” or “I got ahead of myself there—let me go back to my point.”
• Don’t dwell on the mistake or let it derail your presentation. Refocus on your next point and keep going.
• Practice mindfulness and self-compassion. Remember that everyone makes mistakes, and what matters most is how you recover from them.

Mistakes don’t define your speaking abilities. It’s your ability to continue speaking confidently and stay composed that leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

6. Use Hypnotherapy

How Hypnotherapy Can Help You Become a Confident Public Speaker
Hypnotherapy, a therapeutic technique that uses hypnosis to access the subconscious mind, can be really helpful in overcoming the fears and barriers that hinder confident public speaking. It can help with:

1. Reprogramming Negative Beliefs: Hypnotherapy helps identify and alter the negative subconscious beliefs that may be holding you back from being a confident speaker. These could be beliefs like "I’m not good enough," "People will judge me," or "I always make mistakes." By reframing these thoughts, hypnotherapy encourages a mindset of self-assurance and calm.
2. Reducing Anxiety: Hypnotherapy helps you access a deeply relaxed state, which can be highly effective in managing and reducing performance anxiety. When you are in a calm, relaxed state, you are less likely to experience the rush of fear and nervousness that typically accompanies public speaking.
3. Building Positive Visualizations: Hypnotherapy uses visualization techniques to help you mentally rehearse positive speaking experiences. When you visualize yourself speaking confidently, you strengthen your belief in your ability to perform well, which increases the chances of success in real situations.
4. Enhancing Self-Worth and Assertiveness: Hypnotherapy works to boost your self-esteem and assertiveness by reinforcing positive self-image and reducing feelings of vulnerability. This shift in perception enables you to project confidence and remain grounded even in high-pressure speaking environments.
5. Managing Stress and Body Reactions: Hypnotherapy can help you control the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as shaking, sweating, and a racing heart, by calming your nervous system and teaching you how to remain relaxed and composed during speaking engagements.

Hypnotherapy can be an incredibly effective way to boost your confidence and reduce the anxiety associated with public speaking. If you would like a tailored session, please contact me for a free initial consultation.