How to Be Confident While Talking

Whether you are speaking in conversation to one or two people or delivering a speech for work or a school assignment, speaking with confidence is imperative. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to achieve this goal. If you have a firm grasp of your topic and use your physical appearance and voice to your advantage, you can relax and convince listeners of your point of view. For a more formal speech, notes can help.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Library resources
• Index cards for notes

Instructions

1. Know what you are talking about. Do your homework. Get on the computer, go to the library and speak to experts to research your topic. What is the main point you will make? Then have enough details and facts to back up your assertion. This technique works in casual situations as well. If you can give examples, you will be more believable. Then you can view your speaking as teaching or informing the other person of the facts. This will instill confidence in you. Use note cards with phrases rather than typed paragraphs for a formal speech so your talk will not appear stiff and artificial.

2. Attune to your appearance and body language, the main ideas behind dressing for success. Select appropriate clothing for the occasion and maintain good posture with your shoulders back and legs uncrossed. Gum chewing and fidgeting are prohibited. Maintain eye contact with your audience. If you are using note cards, keep them on a desk or podium to avoid looking down often. Use humor to engage the audience and to relax yourself.

3. Keep listeners interested by monitoring the elements of your speech. Articulate your words carefully, avoid fillers such as "you know" and use acceptable word forms, not slang, which can undermine your attempt to appear authoritative. Variety is the key when it comes to pitch and volume. Avoid a monotone by allowing your voice to go up and down at appropriate moments in your speech. Project your voice but vary your volume by speaking loudly then quietly to keep the audience attentive. Pauses can be very effective. If you watch politicians and others who speak professionally, you will notice they use the pause or "caesura" as an important persuasive tool. Pause just before and after a word for emphasis.

Tips & Warnings

• Learn from people who speak with confidence. In informal situations, pay attention to why some people are so compelling and convincing when they speak. View speeches made by great speakers such as Winston Churchill and pick up tips for your own speeches.

• Avoid speaking too quickly or too slowly. A normal rate of speed is 140 to 160 words a minute. If you speak too fast, you will appear glib, perhaps even insincere; too slow and you will appear to be lecturing, even boring.

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References

• How to give a persuasive speech