Do you get knots in your stomach when you get up to introduce yourself to even a small group of people? These tips should help you feel a little more confident and comfortable about speaking in public. Take a deep breath and read on.

Trust me when I say, I know what you’re going through. I used to dislike anything that had to do with introducing myself or talking with more than one or two people at a time. Speaking in front of a crowd would literally make me sick to my stomach. In school I failed Public Speaking 101.

You should know that today I’m a professional speaker. Yes, I get paid for speaking in public. So, how did I go from failing public speaking to eagerly and excitedly speaking to hundreds or even thousands? Let me share a few of the tips I’ve learned.

1. Speak from your heart.
Speak as if you were speaking to your best friend. Being a powerful communicator means speaking from your heart. When you prepare and practice you are literally transferring your heart message into something the listener will eagerly want to hear.

Even if you’re standing up to introduce yourself and your business, speak from your heart. Speak your name with pride. Hold your head up high and your shoulders back. Project your voice so they can hear you across the room. Let your enthusiasm for who you are and what you do shine through ---- it’s called charisma.


2. Believe, without an ounce of doubt, that what you’re saying is important.
Your message, including your name, has importance. Believing you’re important creates self-confidence. Self-confidence overcomes fear. Why would someone be interested in listening to you? Because what you’re saying matters!

Self-confidence brings added certainty to any situation, especially speaking in public. Believe in yourself and believe in your message. Next time you’re scheduled to speak to a group, write out the reason your message (including your name) is important and why others will eagerly listen to you. This activity definitely boosts self-confidence.


3. Be prepared.
Even if you’re standing up to quickly say your name, be prepared. Preparation builds self-confidence. Being prepared can lower the anxiety level and help you feel and act more comfortable. Feeling more comfortable leads to sounding and looking relaxed and self-assured.


4. Don’t concern yourself with how others may be judging you.
In my opinion, this is the number one reason we fear speaking in public. We’re worried others are judging our looks, intelligence, clothes, performance, etc. This may sound easier than you believe right now but don’t worry about what others are thinking.

Be real, be honest and speak from your heart. Self-confidence and healthy self-esteem will allow you to speak to anyone, anywhere and about anything. Begin one small step at a time. Before you get up to speak affirm this: I have important things to share and I am excited to share them.


5. Practice, practice and practice some more.
Go around the house talking to yourself. Look into the mirror and talk to yourself. Flip on the recorder and talk to yourself. Talk to yourself in the car. Practice equals greater self-confidence.

Listen to the sound of your voice – is it comfortable to hear or is the pitch too high or the volume too soft? When you look into the mirror and speak, what are your facial expressions – do you look comfortable and relaxed or are your shoulders so tense they’re up around your ears? You’ll find that soon, this practice really does add up to greater self-confidence.

Well, what do you think? Are you ready to give speaking in public a try? Start with small steps and you’ll see a positive difference in your confidence level. It’s worth a try, isn’t it?

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