How to Speak With Confidence

Whether you are speaking in front of one person for a job interview or public speaking to a massive crowd. The goal is the same. Speak with confidence.

Here are 8 easy instructions on how to speak with more confidence.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Meditations
• Write down your strengths and weaknesses
• Practice
• Determination
• Faith

1. 
    
   Make Eye Contact

   Show the viewer(s) that you're confident by looking directly at them. This shows that you believe in your message, knowledgeable in your craft and they do not have to second guess what you are saying.

2. 
    
   Project Your Voice

   The person in the back of the room should hear clearly what you're saying. If they have doubts or confusion, they will start asking others or tune out. This is your platform. Own it.

3. 
    
   Smile

   When you feel good, then your message will come across in a positive way. Keep this important factor in mind and always remember to stand straight, smile and give firm handshakes.

4. 
    
   Don't Hold Back Your IT Factor

   You have to stand out from the rest of the pack. Throw in an impromptu during your speech but make sure it ties in with what you're saying. The goal is to keep them engaged and interested in what you have to say. Highlight what's so special and different about you. If you still have difficulties, picture yourself as the viewer and then you will have a better idea of delivering your points more effectively.

5. 
    
   Get Support

   Practice. Practice and practice again. Get your family or friends to help you. Listen to their feedback and make corrections where necessary. Remember that you only have one shot at making a great first impression. Once you know your information, have good timing, be concise and watch your confidence soar thru the roof!

6. 
    
   Picture Yourself A Winner

   How are you going to overcome your fear of speaking with confidence if you don't imagine yourself as a success? You've got to hone your skills regularly and see yourself as a winner. Talk to yourself and boost your self esteem. Tell yourself that you are the best and can bring something different like no one else can. This is your target. Stick to it in your mind. Another technique is to write down your strengths and weaknesses about you. Leave no room for flaws in your mind and tackle your goals with that attitude. If your mind is full of more positive images, then it will be less room for the negative ones to squeeze in.

7. 
    
   Exceed Their Needs

   So you're charming and quick on your feet. Bottom line is, can you meet their needs? That's a good start, but the one who is confident and strives to go above and beyond will be the winner.

8. 
    
   Showtime

   You have projected your voice, rehearsed, pictured yourself a success, done your homework and affirmed yourself. You've also learned that you have unique qualities that no one can duplicate quite like you. Now that you've found it, don't lose it! Keep building on your confidence in every area of your life.

Tips & Warnings

• See yourself as the best
• Compete with the best then be the best
• Don't doubt yourself you can do this
• Don't see yourself as second best
• 2009(c) Lesley D. Nurse. All Rights Reserved

Resources

• How to Write a Vision Speech
• Follow me on Twitter @

[godfather25]

on 8/27/2009 This is something I'm not very good at, so thanks for these tips speaking with confidence.

[shasha10]

on 7/10/2009 I am definitely working on my confidence level. I am in Toastmasters and it helps a lot with public speaking. Good tips.

[shenandoah]

on 7/9/2009 I enjoyed reading this. Thanks, this was helpful.

[tnpos]

on 7/9/2009 Great Tips! Thank you! 5 and rec! P.E.A.C.E

[oxymora]

on 7/9/2009 Very good tips. Thanks.