8 Tips To Help Boost Your Confidence While Speaking In Public Or On Camera

These tips with help enhance your next public speaking engagement. No matter if you are speaking to an audience or 1 on 1; these tips will help you operate with more confidence and your skillset will increase. I don't want you to think that these tips with mold you into a media mogul similar to the likes of Oprah Winfrey. They will, however, help you develop leadership and professional skills as you put the tips into practice. 

Lights, Camera, Podium, Action!

#1 KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT

You've got to know your subject matter while speaking in front of an audience. What is the subject of your speech? Did you do your research? Did you take the time to study your subject matter? If not, don't delay starting the process. You can begin by collecting articles, looking at search engines such as Google or Yahoo. Sometimes you may have to ask people who are subject experts in the area to clarify things for you. They may also offer advice on getting additional resources, statistics, or articles to assist you in gaining additional knowledge on your topic. When you go to the podium or microphone to deliver your speech, you will feel at ease when you KNOW that you KNOW what you are talking about. Sidebar: adding a personal story related to the subject matter makes you sound more relatable to your audience, so keep this in mind. Also, Interjecting a humorous or emotionally charged thought may lead your audience to react with laughter or other expressions of emotion.

#2 PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

I remember as a teenager, I wore a pink sweatshirt that had the words "Practice Makes Perfect" and above the words was a picture of a ballerina in her tutu and pretty pink ballerina slippers. That shirt was a reminder to me that If I studied, rehearsed constantly, and stayed focused on the task at hand, over time the thing I was practicing would become perfected in execution. When giving a speech, it is important to practice what you want to say. I've learned to practice in front of a mirror or use a recording application to practice. Each time I recite the speech or presentation, I will change up my tone or use my hands or pitch to emphasize a particular point I wanted my audience to remember. As you continue to practice, you will become comfortable with the material and have the ability to give the speech without notes or a teleprompter to jog your memory.

#3 RELAX, RELATE, RELEASE

Just like a caterpillar goes through a process of transformation, so must you. I remember the episode of "A Different World" where the character Whitley Gilbert was instructed by her therapist to "Relax, Relate, Release". You have to find that "thing" that helps you transform your nervous negative energy into positive energy. What I find helpful for me is to dance before giving a speech or I will go into a quiet area and begin reciting scriptures related to combating fear and apprehension. Remember, God did not give you the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. Keep your mind focused and God will do the rest. Relax your mind, Relate to your audience by giving them clear information and then Release those butterflies.

#4 VISUALIZE YOURSELF SPEAKING

Use your imagination to visualize yourself giving your speech on or off-camera. Can you see yourself as part of a panel discussion with other panelists bantering back and forth in conversation on various topics of interest? You feel confident and your words are enunciated. Now finally, imaging the audience clapping and cheering you on. This exercise will surely help boost your confidence

#5 THE AUDIENCE HAS YOUR BACK

They do like you! No one wants to see another individual fail. Tables could easily turn and the person sitting in the audience might be the next one up for the task of speaking. They want to see you do well and even learn some techniques and pointers to use when it is their turn. Usually, everyone will have a turn up before the crowd at some time and they will be seeking validation and reassurance from the cheerleader in the audience. Always look for those that are sitting in the audience smiling or nodding their head in agreement to a statement you make. These are your confident boosters and their job is fulfilled as they silently stand in solidarity with the successful delivery and execution of your speech. It is always good to have friends, family, or colleagues in the audience to cheer you on. It will help relieve some of the nervous energy. 

#6 KNOW YOUR SURROUNDINGS

Whenever possible, survey the room before giving your speech. If you are in a studio setting, look around the room. Arrive early and walk around the speaking area. Practice using the microphone and inspect all visual aids. If you are recording yourself, make sure the streaming platform is working properly and there is no damage to cords and supporting devices. When you are familiar with your surroundings and feel comfortable in the area, you will become comfortable and will notice an ease of movement in your body language while speaking on camera or in front of an audience.

#7 DON'T APOLOGIZE

Sometimes we become so nervous when we are speaking in public or on camera and may say the wrong thing, forget what we wanted to say, or begin to get choked up. One of the common mistakes people make is apologizing for messing up. The audience may not even know that you misspoke, lost your train of thought, or the ability to speak at all. Don't give in to the urge to apologize to the audience. Instead, keep your audience wondering by "playing off" the mishap. When you apologize your draw attention to your nervous energy and will sometimes lead to you fumbling again during your speech.

#8 DUST YOURSELF OFF AND TRY AGAIN

If at first, you don't succeed, dust yourself off and try again. Yes, I used to listen to these words in Aliyah's song when I was younger. :-). Isn't it funny (not) how songs play an integral part in how we govern our lives? All I can say is, "thank you, God". Now, let's tackle point #8. Once you have given your first speech or completed your first interview or talked in front of a camera, it is now time for you to take the NEXT STEP! Say what Denise? Yes, did you think you were just going to learn all these tips for you to get through one project or hurdle? Oh no, my friend! Now it is time for you to seek out other opportunities to "EXPAND YOUR BRAND". The word of God states Iron Sharpeneth Iron and you MUST do the same by giving your next speech; conduct your next interview or moderate the next event. Prove to yourself that you have what it takes to BE successful because you already are.

??????????????(drop the mic)

Did you find This Blog Post Helpful?

If it piqued your interest, let me know in the comments below!

Feel free to share this post with all of your loved ones. 

Don't Sit On The Sidelines,

"Let's Take It Up A Notch"

Denise Sutton 

Video Presence Consultant 

FREE 5 DAY CHALLENGE: "Video Presence Made Easy"

Email: denise.denisesuttonconsultant.com

( Builderall AFFILIATE LINK)

Twitter: DeniseSuttonConsultant

Facebook: Denise Sutton Consultant | Facebook

Instagram: Denise Sutton (@denisesuttonconsultant)