How to Be Confident when Presenting a Speech

When presenting a speech you must act confident even if you are not feeling that way. The more speeches you do the more your confidence will build until it just feels natural to be up in front of a room giving a speech. Choose a speech topic you are truly interested in so your enthusiasm shows. Also prepare well so you are very familiar with the information you will present during the speech.

Instructions

1. Before you start speaking, pause and look out at the audience. Take a few seconds to make eye contact with the crowd. Gain your composure at the front of the room before you start speaking. Do not rush into your speech. Give yourself and the audience a small bit of time to get ready for the upcoming speech.

2. During the speech maintain eye contact with the audience. Let the smiles and nods coming from the audience help you feel calmer. Look out at the audience and make eye contact with anyone who looks friendly.

3. Use note cards during the speech to remind you of important facts you want to use during the speech. Prepare the note cards at least several days before the speech. Study them in the days before the speech and prepare your mind to present information about the key facts listed on the note cards.

4. Remember, it is natural to feel nervous before a speech. Everyone experiences anxiety before a presentation. So take a few deep breaths to calm down. Take a few seconds before starting the speech to visualize yourself doing well. Use positive thoughts and imagery in your mind to boost your confidence.

5. Have fun giving the speech. You are sharing your opinion with others. That is a great skill to practice. So have fun, enjoy the process of giving a speech. Remember, every time you give a speech it gets a little bit easier.

Tips & Warnings

• Maintain eye contact with the audience.

• Use note cards.

• Practice your speech beforehand.

• Do not put too much information on your speech note cards.

• You should merely glance at the cards, you should not be reading off them.

• Remember to pause before starting the speech to start eye contact and to calm yourself.