Confidence is an attribute that some people seem to have naturally, even when they aren’t experts at a subject. But for most of us, though, confidence is something we have to build over time. Contrary to what most people think, our speech usually portrays our most vulnerable expressions. And for someone who is shy or lacks confidence, it can be overwhelming to speak in public, hold small talks with strangers, or speak in front of a large crowd.
Fortunately, there are ways to boost your speaking skills and feel more comfortable speaking to any audience. You can conquer the fear of public speaking by using the following tips along with practice.
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Get Feedback from an Unbiased Person
Getting feedback from an unbiased person can help you identify your struggles and work towards improving your confidence when speaking in English. Find a trusted friend or family member to listen to your presentation and provide fair, constructive, and unbiased feedback. A supportive person can help you practise your speech and even identify any mistakes you made during the presentation.
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Positive Self-talk
Another tip to help you gain confidence in public speaking is encouraging positive self-talk. Congratulate yourself for the things you’ve already achieved, and stay positive about the ones you’re yet to achieve.
Simple remarks like, “I can do this” or “I am going to make it” will go a long way to increasing your confidence. If you start feeling little doubts about the chances of failure during your speech, believe in yourself and remember how hard you’ve worked for this moment.
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Perfect Basic Skills
The biggest hindrance to your speech confidence is poor preparation. Know your stuff and ensure to perfect the basic skills before entering any important speech or conversation. The last thing you want is to get stuck if an audience member asks a question because this will instantly shake your confidence.
Master your grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary to help boost your communication skills. In addition to perfecting your skills, practise your speech over and over to ensure you’re at the top of it.
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Use Positive Body Language
Your body language, facial expressions, and tone all play a significant role in the final message you send. Good posture and a smile can send a positive message and help you engage with your audience quickly. Practice over and over in front of a mirror to ensure your body language appears comfortable and natural before you present your speech to a large audience.
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Avoid Filler Words
Excessive filler words are not only irritating, but they can also make you sound unsure of yourself. Eliminate words such as (umm, like, ah, and you know?) that serve no purpose in your speech except to fill gaps between sentences.
Build Speech Confidence with Pronunciation School
If you’re not confident with public speaking, enrol in Pronunciation School’s Speech & Confidence Training Classes to break free of your restrictions and communicate with impact. Contact us now for a free speech assessment.