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Public Speaking - How to Speak With Confidence

By Edward Hope

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 16Jul2009 Word count: 575 Viewed: 341 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

Most people experience "nerves" when they speak in public. Both skilled public speakers and novice speakers experience this anxiety. The difference is in how they use it when they present because of the actions they take and their attitude towards it.

The way to speak with confidence is:

1. Preparation

Careful preparation naturally leads to self-confidence. This involves researching your topic thoroughly so you can build your expertise in it. When a selecting a topic it helps greatly if you are interested in it because when you stand up to speak to a group you are merely expanding the conversation you will have had previously. Once you have researched the topic the next step is to organize, outline and write the speech. When beginning in public speaking, it is advisable to write your speech out in full, so you get a fully thought through speech. Keep the sentences short. Use spoken language rather than written language especially if you are considering reading your speech. (Note it is difficult to convey confidence when reading a speech).

2. Practice

Thorough practice builds confidence. The more familiar you are with your speech the better armed and confident you will be in delivering your speech. The number of times required to run through your speech will depend on the nature of the speech and the natural skills of the speaker. The practice speech delivery should include presenting in front of friends and family. If possible have a dry run at the venue will help you get used to the actual circumstances of the delivery.

3. Performance

When it is your time to present, keep a confident expression on your face and walk purposefully to where you will present from. Stand firmly on both feet placed slightly apart and stand up straight (don't lock your knees). This gives over an air of confidence. Pause and take a few deep breaths and smile (but not like a Cheshire Cat) to settle your nerves. A smile is contagious and also conveys confidence. Be natural, move and speak like you would in normal conversation. This includes looking at your audience. Looking down or away from your audience can be interpreted as "nerves" or lack of preparation. The more often you speak in public or to groups the easier it becomes and the more confident you become. 4. Self Talk

Talk to yourself in a positive way. Keep focussed on the success of the talk rather than what could go wrong. Just before you go on to speak, really go overboard on the positive self talk so you are bursting with "positivity" when you speak.

Experienced speakers can still have "nerves" before they speak. They see this as a spur to give the best speech they can. Others see it as excitement. The same feelings are experienced but a different attitude towards them makes a big difference.

Speaking with confidence comes from exercising a little courage. Many talents are denied the world because it is not exercised. The forest would lack much music if only the birds that sang were the ones with the best voice.

Persistently speaking in front of groups builds confidence. It is by consistently practice and doing, that public speaking is improved. By taking the first step and realizing that the key to success is in your own hands the first "bud" of confidence appears. With proper care and attention the "bud" is developed so that you become more effective and speak with confidence.

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