There’s no course in high school or university that teaches you how to be a confident public speaker. Indeed, we learn the mechanics of language, the art of persuasive writing, and perhaps even recite a few Shakespearean soliloquies.
But what about those knee-shaking, heart-thumping moments when all eyes are on you?
Most of us are left to navigate that intimidating terrain of public speaking through a process of trial and error, and more often than not, it’s filled with blunders and faux pas.
Welcome: a series of embarrassing stumbles as we attempt to conquer the multifaceted world of public speaking.
Part of the issue is that our society perpetuates several misconceptions about public speaking.
We idolize natural charisma—the kind that commands attention and effortlessly captures an audience. We’re led to believe that good speakers are born, not made.
People are frequently urged to emulate others, reducing their unique voice to an imitation of popular speakers. As a result, our authentic expression is often cloaked in inauthentic performance.
That’s why we need to discard many misconceptions about public speaking that we assume to be true and start embracing practices that genuinely build confidence.
These insights are seldom talked about in traditional self-help guides because they defy conventional wisdom. But they work.
1. Embrace the power of preparation
People who truly excel at public speaking don’t view preparation as a chore.
They understand that preparation is the key to confidence—a concept they wholeheartedly embrace.
Confident speakers love investing time in crafting their speeches—it’s not because they can’t improvise, but because they respect their audience. They seek to provide value and clarity in each word they utter.
Spending time on preparation also helps them master their material. They delve into research, meticulously organize their thoughts, and rehearse until they can deliver their speech seamlessly.
Furthermore, preparation allows them to anticipate potential questions or reactions from their audience, enabling them to handle any unexpected turns with grace.
Confident speakers need thorough preparation so much that without enough time spent on it, they may experience increased anxiety, stumble over their words, lose their train of thought, or fail to effectively convey their message.
2. They Ditch perfectionism
Confident speakers don’t entertain the illusion of perfection.
They accept that perfection is not only unattainable but also unnecessary—a belief they adhere to without hesitation.
These speakers understand the value of authenticity. They know that even though they might stumble over a word or lose their train of thought, it’s their genuineness and passion that truly resonate with the audience.
Letting go of perfectionism also allows them to be flexible. They’re ready to adapt on the fly, tweak their delivery based on audience reactions, and handle unexpected situations with poise.
Furthermore, shedding the weight of perfectionism helps them cope with stage fright. Recognizing that mistakes can and will happen, they learn to view them as learning opportunities rather than failures.
Confident speakers not only accept—but wholeheartedly embrace imperfection so much that without this acceptance, they may find themselves paralyzed by fear, overly self-conscious, or too rigid in their delivery style.
3. They learn to love their unique voice
Successful speakers don’t attempt to mimic others.
They recognize that their unique voice is a strength—not a weakness.
These individuals understand that their personal experiences, perspectives, and communication styles make them distinct. Instead of trying to sound like someone else, they focus on shaping their own narrative.
Embracing their unique voice allows them to connect with their audience on a deeper level. Their authenticity shines through, making their speeches more relatable and engaging.
Moreover, treasuring their unique voice boosts their self-esteem. They stop comparing themselves to others and start appreciating their own worth.
4. They let go of the fear of judgement
Confident speakers don’t let the fear of judgement hold them back.
They understand that criticism is part of the process—a fact they accept willingly.
These individuals know that not everyone will agree with or like what they have to say. Instead of fearing this reality, they use it as a tool for growth and improvement.
Releasing the fear of judgement allows them to express themselves freely. They speak their truth without holding back, resulting in powerful and impactful speeches.
Moreover, overcoming the fear of judgement enhances their resilience. They become better equipped to handle criticism, making them stronger speakers in the long run.
Confident speakers accept and welcome constructive criticism. After all, without this acceptance, they may find themselves censoring their thoughts, diluting their message, or letting negative feedback shake their confidence.
5. They break away from distraction
Confident speakers don’t let distractions derail them.
They understand that maintaining focus is crucial—a truth they abide by unfalteringly.
These individuals know that distractions, be it a technical glitch or an audience member’s phone ringing, are inevitable during a presentation. Instead of getting flustered, they seamlessly incorporate these interruptions into their speech or gracefully move past them.
Managing distractions effectively allows them to maintain their composure. They remain poised and in control, demonstrating their professionalism and command over the situation.
Moreover, mastering the art of handling distractions builds their resilience. They become adept at navigating unforeseen challenges, which contributes to their growth as speakers.
6. They bid farewell to monotony
Dynamic speakers don’t cling to a monotonous delivery.
They acknowledge that variation breeds engagement—a mantra they follow religiously.
These individuals appreciate the power of altering their tone, pace, and volume during a speech. Instead of remaining static, they use these variations as tools to highlight key points and generate interest.
Moving away from monotony enables them to keep their audience engaged. Their speeches become more lively and captivating, holding the listeners’ attention till the very end.
Moreover, adding variety to their delivery style boosts their charisma. They come across as more passionate and enthusiastic, making their messages more compelling.
They not only adopt—but thrive on variation. Without it, they may fail to capture their audience’s attention, their message may become dull, or their delivery might lack the necessary punch.
