Speaking in public — it’s an act that can send shivers down the spine of even the most composed individuals.
Public speaking is one of the most common fears people face, with glossophobia — the fear of public speaking—affecting up to 75% of individuals.
While this fear can feel paralyzing, confidence in speaking is a skill that anyone can develop.
You don’t have to be born a great speaker — with the right habits and mindset, you can become more confident and persuasive when addressing an audience.
Here are 9 habits you can start practicing today to become a more confident speaker.
1) You prepare thoroughly and know your material
Confidence starts with preparation.
One of the key reasons people feel nervous about speaking is the fear of not knowing what to say or getting things wrong.
By thoroughly preparing and knowing your material inside out, you’ll feel more secure when speaking.
Take the time to:
- Organize your ideas clearly.
- Practice delivering your speech or presentation several times.
- Anticipate potential questions and prepare answers ahead of time.
When you’re familiar with your content, your anxiety decreases because you’re no longer worried about drawing a blank.
Studies show that preparation can significantly reduce speaking anxiety by giving you control over your content and delivery.
2) You practice positive visualization
Here’s a little secret from the world of psychology — positive visualization can work wonders on your confidence level.
Let me explain:
Positive visualization is about creating a mental image of success. It’s about seeing yourself delivering that powerful speech, captivating your audience, and leaving the stage to a round of applause.
Sound too simple to be effective?
Well, research in sports psychology has shown that athletes who visualize their success tend to perform better.
Not surprisingly, this technique can work for public speaking too.
The key here is to make your visualization as detailed and vivid as possible. See yourself speaking with confidence, hear the sound of your voice projecting clearly, and feel the positive energy of the room.
And guess what?
This can drastically boost your confidence when it’s time to actually deliver that speech. It’s definitely worth a shot!
3) You acknowledge your nervousness
While positive visualization is a powerful tool, it’s equally important to acknowledge and accept your nervousness.
Sounds counterintuitive, right?
Here’s the thing:
Being nervous about public speaking is natural. In fact, it’s something even the most seasoned speakers experience.
But, instead of viewing this nervousness as a barrier to confidence, genuinely confident speakers acknowledge it as a part of the process.
Psychology suggests that accepting your nervousness can actually help reduce its impact.
You just need to understand that being nervous doesn’t mean you’re not prepared or capable. Rather it’s your body’s natural response to a perceived challenge.
This in turn can make you appear more authentic and relatable to your audience, which are key traits of a confident speaker. It’s a paradox worth considering!
4) You focus on the message, not yourself
Ever found yourself worrying about how you’re perceived by others while speaking in public?
This is a common concern, but here’s a perspective shift: confident speakers focus more on the message they’re delivering rather than how they’re perceived.
They understand that effective communication is making an impact, sharing insights, and provoking thought.
Yes, it’s not about impressing others or avoiding criticism.
By shifting your focus from yourself to your message, you can alleviate some of the self-imposed pressure and nervousness.
You’ll find that your words flow more naturally and your confidence shines through.
Psychology suggests that this outward focus can help reduce feelings of self-consciousness and increase your confidence in public speaking.
So, the next time you take the stage, remember – it’s not about you, it’s about your message.
5) You develop a pre-speech routine
Every confident speaker has their own pre-speech routine.
It’s a set of actions or activities that help them get in the right mental and emotional state before they take the stage.
These routines can vary greatly from person to person, but they usually include:
- A brief moment of quiet or meditation
- Physical warm-ups like stretching or deep breathing
- Positive affirmations or self-talk
A pre-speech routine is not about superstition or quirky habits. It’s about developing a personal ritual that helps you channel your energy and focus on the task at hand.
And the beauty of it is, there’s no one-size-fits-all.
You get to create a routine that works best for you.
This personalized approach not only prepares you for your speech but also boosts your confidence in a way that feels authentic and comfortable to you.
6) You actively seek feedback
Let’s face it: no one loves hearing criticism.
But as challenging as it may be, seeking feedback is a habit that I’ve found to be incredibly beneficial for boosting confidence in public speaking.
Confidence in speaking comes with practice.
The more often you speak in front of others, the more natural and comfortable it will feel.
Set aside time to practice your speaking skills regularly — whether through formal presentations, casual conversations, or joining a public speaking group like Toastmasters.
After each speaking engagement, seek out feedback from trusted peers or mentors.
Constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement while reinforcing the things you’re doing well. The more you practice and refine your skills, the more confident you’ll become.
Why it works: According to the self-efficacy theory developed by psychologist Albert Bandura, confidence comes from successfully performing tasks over time.
The more you practice and see positive results, the more your self-confidence grows.
7) You practice active listening
Imagine you’re at a conference and you’ve just delivered your presentation. You’re now in the audience, listening to another speaker.
But are you really listening?
Are you genuinely engaged with what they’re saying or are you just passively hearing them while your mind wanders elsewhere?
Confident speakers understand the importance of active listening. It’s not only a sign of respect for your fellow speakers, but also an invaluable learning opportunity.
When you actively listen, you absorb the speaker’s techniques, their style of communication, how they engage the audience, how they handle questions – all of which can be great learning points for your own public speaking journey.
Moreover, active listening fosters empathy and understanding. This, in turn, makes you more attuned to your audience’s needs when it’s your turn on the stage.
So next time you’re in the audience, ask yourself: Am I really listening?
You might be surprised at how much you can learn!
8) You practice power poses for confidence
Body language plays a significant role in how confident you feel when speaking.
Adopting a power pose — a stance that takes up space and conveys strength—can help boost your confidence levels even before you start talking.
Psychologist Amy Cuddy’s research found that holding a power pose for just two minutes can increase feelings of confidence by raising testosterone levels and lowering cortisol (a stress hormone).
Power poses include:
- Standing tall with your shoulders back.
- Placing your hands on your hips or stretching your arms out wide.
- Sitting with a strong posture rather than slouching.
Before a big presentation or speech, try standing in a power pose for a couple of minutes. You’ll likely feel more energized and ready to speak with confidence.
9) You focus on your message, not yourself
One of the biggest mistakes people make when speaking is focusing too much on how they’re being perceived.
Do I look nervous? Am I making mistakes?
Instead, shift your focus to your message and the value it brings to the audience. When you’re more concerned about delivering a clear, impactful message, you naturally become less self-conscious.
Ask yourself:
- What’s the most important takeaway for my audience?
- How can I make this information helpful and engaging for them?
If you center your attention on the purpose of your speech rather than your own performance, you feel less nervous and more confident.
Final thoughts
As we reach the end of this exploration into the habits of confident speakers, it’s time to turn the spotlight onto you.
How will these habits shape your journey towards becoming a more confident speaker?
Here are some questions for you to ponder:
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- Which of these habits do you already practice?
- Which ones are new to you?
- How can you incorporate these habits into your own public speaking journey?
Remember, becoming a confident speaker is a journey. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the process.
After all, every step forward is a step towards becoming a more confident speaker.
And who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll be the one sharing your speaking wisdom with others. Now wouldn’t that be something?