How confidence impacts public speaking and how to become more confident

Confidence is the x-factor that makes all the difference in public speaking. When you go up on the stage or are given the time on Zoom to speak, the one key characteristic that will make the most difference is your confidence.

The impact of confidence is seen on many levels and it's the one thing people pick up on as listeners. Here are three strategies to enhance your confidence

1. Familiarity

Picking your speech topic matters. To be the most confident, you should pick topics that matter to you and you already have a well of information on the topic. When you are the subject matter expert, and you're sharing that expertise, it shows. Let's say that you're really skilled in knitting. Give a talk on that. If you're an avid baseball fan, speak on that. If you love history, talk on that. Staying true to the material that you already know means that you're in your wheelhouse which should add confidence.

2. Research

If you want to try something new, then I would suggest that you research thoroughly and give yourself enough time to process the information. The more in depth your research, the more you will add to your knowledge base and give more confident speeches. To keep up with the new material, though, you should be aware that you need time to learn it. Give yourself a few weeks to process the information and get the speech crafted so that by the time you give it, you feel comfortable with the material. Researching material is a great way to grow the topics you can talk about and will add to your confidence.

3. Awareness

When you're writing out your speech, you can note which talking points are a struggle or you don't feel confident with, and take those out. If you have doubt in what you're saying but simply want to include it because it's what you think you should be saying, then that insecurity will show. You might hesitate or stumble in your speech. When you craft your speech, all of your points should have you 100% committed. Each point should make you feel comfortable and excited to share it. Being aware of what you're saying and making sure that you are 100% behind it is key to being confident.

Those three tips are key for adding confidence to your speech. When you walk to the lectern, you want to know that you have the mastery and expertise to speak on the topic. The audience will notice and it'll show up in three big ways.

1. Body language

You will not be tense or straining, trying to find the right words or feel insecure about what you are sharing. You will not be looking up in the air, trying to find the right words. You will be able to be relaxed and confident, and fully focused on controlling your hand gestures, eye contact, facial expressions and connecting with the audience.

2. Impromptu

You will be able to be so engaging. You don't have to memorize word for word, because you know your material quite well. If you go off script, you can calmly bring yourself back. You can notice when the audience seems interested and add an extra point, or react to their nods and feedback. You know the material so well that you have the confidence for the full 7 minutes that you can handle this speech, completely.

 

3. Enjoyment

You will give a speech and enjoy it. The speeches for Toastmasters are between 5-7 minutes long. That's a long time to be standing there, unsure. However, when you are confident in your material and in yourself for delivering it, you will be able to enjoy each minute that goes by, being fully in the moment. You will look back on the speech with pride and you will have a lovely memory. It will ease the pre-talk jitters as you are comfortable with your material. You look forward to giving your speech. Where does the sense of dread come from for public speaking? In part, where there is a lack of confidence. The more confident you can be, the more you look at each speech with excitement. Confidence matters for you too and when you enjoy your speech, your audience will be drawn right in.

How does Toastmasters fit in?

Toastmasters is a safe way to practice public speaking as you stand before an audience of Toastmasters and guests. Their one goal is to make each member a better public speaker.

If you're curious, the full Toastmaster mission statement is this:

We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth

The best way to make the most of Toastmasters is to come to each speech your best, full of confidence, and then keep getting better. From there, you'll be able to handle speeches in other areas of life and be a wonderful conversationalist -- well-spoken, as they say.

To recap

- confidence starts with your knowledge of the material
- expertise and familiarity with the material matters
- research can enhance the areas you want to speak about
- your presentation will show your confidence

It is important to note that you can develop your confidence at any time. If you had a disastrous speech or experience, then you are in a safe space to bring back the confidence. It makes a big difference in public speaking and it's the thing your audience is looking for. You can do it! You can develop the confidence you need. Don't push yourself too hard, but use every opportunity at Toastmasters to become a better, more confident speaker.