5 Proven Tips to Build Public Speaking Confidence
Discover 5 proven tips to build public speaking confidence.
Coach Jen
Ever felt that wave of anxiety before a big meeting or presentation, when your voice feels shaky and your thoughts scatter? You’re not alone.
The truth is, confidence isn’t something you’re born with. It’s something you build, like a muscle. The more you practice, the stronger it gets.
What are the best tips to build public speaking confidence?
Let’s dive into 5 techniques that help you calm nerves, project strength, and connect authentically with your audience.
1. Make eye contact your superpower.
How can eye contact improve public speaking confidence?
Eye contact is one of the quickest ways to project confidence. Eye contact builds trust and connection. It shows your audience that you’re present and engaged, and it helps you appear more confident, even if you’re nervous on the inside.
On video: Look directly into that camera lens. It might feel a little awkward at first, but it creates an instant sense of connection for the person on the other side. They’ll feel seen and engaged, and you won’t be distracted by reading every facial reaction on screen.
In person: The principle is the same. But if eye-to-eye contact feels too intense, try looking between someone’s eyebrows or at the corner of their glasses. To them, it still looks like confident eye contact.
Strong eye contact prevents you from looking withdrawn or uncertain and instantly boosts your speaking presence.
2. Own your space with body language.
How does body language help you speak with confidence?
Before you even say a word, your audience reads your posture and presence. Confident body language communicates authority and credibility.
Stand tall with shoulders back and chest open. This “power pose” signals strength both to your audience and to your own nervous system.
Use purposeful hand gestures to emphasize key points. Avoid crossing your arms or fidgeting, which can make you look unsure.
On video, position your camera so your head and shoulders are visible, and keep your movements open and relaxed.
When you own your space, you project confidence, reduce nervous energy, and keep your audience engaged.
3. Breathe deeply to steady your voice.
What are the best breathing techniques for public speaking confidence?
Nerves often lead to shallow chest breathing, which makes your voice sound weak or shaky. Confident speakers use deep diaphragmatic breathing (belly breathing) to stay steady and strong.
Here’s how to do it:
Place a hand on your stomach and inhale through your nose. Feel your belly expand like a balloon.
Exhale slowly and speak during the out-breath, letting your voice ride on a smooth, steady stream of air.
This kind of breathing not only strengthens your voice but also reduces anxiety. It’s one of the simplest yet most effective tips to boost public speaking confidence. It works whether you’re giving a big keynote or just introducing yourself in a meeting.
Deep belly breaths are your absolute defense against vocal fry and upspeak—those confidence-killers that can extremely undermine your gravitas.
4. Know your “why” and your “what.”
How does preparation build public speaking confidence?
Confidence doesn’t come from memorizing every word. It comes from clarity. When you know your purpose and message, you speak with conviction and impact.
Ask yourself: Why am I speaking? Maybe it’s to inspire, inform, persuade, or motivate.
Define your “one big takeaway.” What is the single message you want your audience to remember long after your talk?
By centering on your why and what, you avoid rambling, reduce filler words, and speak with more focus. Preparation like this ensures you feel less nervous because you know exactly where you’re headed.
5. Embrace imperfection.
What should I do if I make a mistake during a speech?
Even the most famous speakers—TED Talk presenters, CEOs, and politicians—stumble over words or lose their place. The difference is in how they recover.
Instead of panicking, pause for a moment, take a breath, and continue with confidence. Audiences appreciate authenticity more than perfection. In fact, a small stumble can make you more relatable.
Practical ways to embrace imperfection:
If you forget something, simply say, “Let me rephrase that” or “Let’s circle back to the key point.”
If nerves creep in, acknowledge them with a smile. It humanizes you and puts the audience at ease.
The goal isn’t flawless delivery. It’s showing up as your best, grounded self. Embracing imperfection is one of the most freeing tips to boost public speaking confidence you can practice.
Final word: Building confidence takes practice.
Can anyone learn to boost public speaking confidence?
Yes! True confidence doesn’t mean speaking flawlessly. It means showing up prepared, grounded, and authentic.
By practicing these tips to build public speaking confidence—eye contact, body language, breathing, preparation, and embracing imperfection—you’ll transform nervous energy into powerful presence.
You’ve got this.
Keep shining,
Coach Jen
🎤 Want 1:1 coaching?
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