Building Self Confidence

When it comes to public speaking and self confidence almost all of us wish we could be more relaxed and confident in ourselves.  We might try various things that we have heard works for other people but with little success.  So how are we going to handle our next speech?  Here is what works for me when I have to give business presentations, I’m sure a few of these would work for you as well.

Public speaking and self confidence don’t seem to go hand in hand for most people, in fact most people have such little confidence in their public speaking skills that they are less afraid of dying than of giving a public speech!

I have giving a lot of business presentations and this is what works for me.

Visualization. During the week ahead of when I give the speech I briefly visualize my speech going very well and that I give it with confidence.  The simple act of visualizing only takes a couple of seconds at a time, it is not some special process.

The benefits of visualization are proven and they work.  One of the best examples is how East German Olympic athletes would dominate their competition.  East Germans would make all their athletes visualize everyday!

Preparation. This is probably not the earth moving tip you were looking for when it comes to getting more self confidence during speeches but it is probably the most important one.  If you know your material down cold that is one less thing to worry about.  In fact during your practice giving the speech, visualize people watching you.

Remember No One Pays Attention. This one helps me the most giving speeches and gives me more confidence.  When you listen to someone give a speech do you pay attention 100% of the time?  I know I don’t.  In fact I have been to lots of conferences where I hardly pay attention to a speech at all.

I use the fact that probably less than half of the audience is even paying attention to me.  Most people are too interested in what they are going to be doing after you are done speaking or what they are going to have for lunch.

Summary

Remember the easiest way to increase your self confidence when it comes to public speaking is to practice, practice, practice.