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- Asep Haryono | Essential Tips for Improving Self-Confidence in Public Speaking - Powered by Blogger
A few weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to deliver a short presentation on a project I had completed, in front of more than 200 people. At first, everything went smoothly my words flowed, and I felt confident. But as the minutes passed, nerves began to creep in. My voice started to shake, my hands trembled, and I struggled to hold the microphone properly. Anxiety took over, and those six minutes felt like the longest and toughest moments of my life.
Yes, I felt embarrassed, but I also realized something important: every great speaker has moments like this. It’s part of the learning journey. What matters most is that I stood there, faced the crowd, and delivered my message despite the fear. Next time, I’ll be stronger, more prepared, and one step closer to becoming the confident speaker I want to be.d.
Public speaking can feel scary to me. Many of us get nervous when standing in front of a group even if it’s just a few people. Sweaty palms, shaky voice, and a racing heart are pretty common. But here’s the good news: confidence in public speaking is something you can build step by step. With practice, patience, and a few simple strategies, you can speak in front of others with ease.
In this article, let’s explore some practical tips that will help you improve your self-confidence and make public speaking a little less intimidating.
1. Accept the Nerves.They’re Normal
First things first: being nervous is completely normal. Even professional speakers feel some butterflies before stepping onto the stage. Instead of fighting the nerves, try to accept them. Think of nervous energy as fuel. It can actually sharpen your focus and keep you alert. The trick is not to let it overwhelm you.
Pro tip: Take a few deep breaths before you speak. Slow breathing calms your body and gives your mind a moment to reset.
2. Know Your Material Well
Confidence grows when you know your stuff. If you’re giving a presentation or speech, prepare thoroughly. Don’t just memorize words understand the main ideas. That way, if you forget a sentence, you can still explain the point in your own words.
Pro tip: Write down bullet points instead of full scripts. This keeps you sounding natural and prevents the “robot reading mode.”
3. Practice, but Make It Fun
Practice really does make perfect but it doesn’t have to be boring. Try rehearsing in front of a mirror, recording yourself on your phone, or presenting to a friend. You’ll notice small habits, like saying “um” too much or avoiding eye contact, that you can work on.
Pro tip: Smile while practicing. It might feel silly at first, but smiling changes your tone of voice and makes you sound more confident.
4. Focus on the Message, Not Yourself
A big reason people feel nervous is that they worry about how they look or sound. Instead, shift your focus to your audience. Ask yourself: What do I want them to learn or feel? When you focus on delivering value, your nerves naturally shrink.
Pro tip: Before speaking, imagine that your audience is made up of supportive friends. It helps you feel more relaxed and connected.
5. Start Small and Build Up
You don’t have to begin your journey by giving a TED Talk. Start with small opportunities: speak up in meetings, join discussions, or give a short toast at family gatherings. Each small win builds your confidence for bigger moments.
Pro tip: Track your progress. After every speech or presentation, jot down what went well and one thing you’d like to improve next time.
6. Embrace Mistakes as Part of Learning
Nobody is perfect, and every speaker makes mistakes. Forgetting a line, stumbling over words, or even losing your place happens to everyone. What matters is how you recover. Smile, take a breath, and move on. Most of the time, the audience won’t even notice.
Pro tip: If you do slip, use humor. A quick laugh at yourself can instantly lighten the mood and make you more relatable.
7. Keep Practicing. Confidence Is a Skill
Public speaking confidence isn’t something you’re born with it’s a skill you develop over time. The more you practice, the easier it becomes. Be patient with yourself. Every time you speak, you’re one step closer to mastering it.
Summarize
Building self-confidence in public speaking takes time, but it’s absolutely possible for anyone. Remember: nervousness is normal, preparation is key, and mistakes are part of the journey. The more you speak, the more natural it feels
Have you ever struggled with nervousness when speaking in public?
Share your experience in the comments
I’d love to hear your story! And if you found these tips useful, don’t forget to share this article with friends who might need a little confidence boost.
Yes, I felt embarrassed, but I also realized something important: every great speaker has moments like this. It’s part of the learning journey. What matters most is that I stood there, faced the crowd, and delivered my message despite the fear. Next time, I’ll be stronger, more prepared, and one step closer to becoming the confident speaker I want to be.d.
Public speaking can feel scary to me. Many of us get nervous when standing in front of a group even if it’s just a few people. Sweaty palms, shaky voice, and a racing heart are pretty common. But here’s the good news: confidence in public speaking is something you can build step by step. With practice, patience, and a few simple strategies, you can speak in front of others with ease.
In this article, let’s explore some practical tips that will help you improve your self-confidence and make public speaking a little less intimidating.
1. Accept the Nerves.They’re Normal
First things first: being nervous is completely normal. Even professional speakers feel some butterflies before stepping onto the stage. Instead of fighting the nerves, try to accept them. Think of nervous energy as fuel. It can actually sharpen your focus and keep you alert. The trick is not to let it overwhelm you.
Pro tip: Take a few deep breaths before you speak. Slow breathing calms your body and gives your mind a moment to reset.
2. Know Your Material Well
Confidence grows when you know your stuff. If you’re giving a presentation or speech, prepare thoroughly. Don’t just memorize words understand the main ideas. That way, if you forget a sentence, you can still explain the point in your own words.
Pro tip: Write down bullet points instead of full scripts. This keeps you sounding natural and prevents the “robot reading mode.”
3. Practice, but Make It Fun
Practice really does make perfect but it doesn’t have to be boring. Try rehearsing in front of a mirror, recording yourself on your phone, or presenting to a friend. You’ll notice small habits, like saying “um” too much or avoiding eye contact, that you can work on.
Pro tip: Smile while practicing. It might feel silly at first, but smiling changes your tone of voice and makes you sound more confident.
4. Focus on the Message, Not Yourself
A big reason people feel nervous is that they worry about how they look or sound. Instead, shift your focus to your audience. Ask yourself: What do I want them to learn or feel? When you focus on delivering value, your nerves naturally shrink.
Pro tip: Before speaking, imagine that your audience is made up of supportive friends. It helps you feel more relaxed and connected.
5. Start Small and Build Up
You don’t have to begin your journey by giving a TED Talk. Start with small opportunities: speak up in meetings, join discussions, or give a short toast at family gatherings. Each small win builds your confidence for bigger moments.
Pro tip: Track your progress. After every speech or presentation, jot down what went well and one thing you’d like to improve next time.
6. Embrace Mistakes as Part of Learning
Nobody is perfect, and every speaker makes mistakes. Forgetting a line, stumbling over words, or even losing your place happens to everyone. What matters is how you recover. Smile, take a breath, and move on. Most of the time, the audience won’t even notice.
Pro tip: If you do slip, use humor. A quick laugh at yourself can instantly lighten the mood and make you more relatable.
7. Keep Practicing. Confidence Is a Skill
Public speaking confidence isn’t something you’re born with it’s a skill you develop over time. The more you practice, the easier it becomes. Be patient with yourself. Every time you speak, you’re one step closer to mastering it.
Summarize
Building self-confidence in public speaking takes time, but it’s absolutely possible for anyone. Remember: nervousness is normal, preparation is key, and mistakes are part of the journey. The more you speak, the more natural it feels
Have you ever struggled with nervousness when speaking in public?
Share your experience in the comments
I’d love to hear your story! And if you found these tips useful, don’t forget to share this article with friends who might need a little confidence boost.
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