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When we first start speaking it’s natural to ask the question “how can I become more confident at public speaking?” “How can I become fearless as a speaker?” When adrenaline gets into our body when we’re nervous it plays havoc with our abilities to act normally. We just want to be good enough, to get through our public speaking without showing the audience our nerves.
Most public speakers stress and struggle about trying to “seem confident” and “look fearless”, irrespective of how they’re feeling inside. They often fall into the trap of pushing nerves away to show the audience a plastic sheen of confident public speaking. But so long as you’re pushing away your fears and nerves, you’re acting, rather than connecting with your audience.
Truly powerful public speaking starts not with 100% confident public speaking, but with talking from the heart.
Psychologists have found that the key to deeply confident public speaking is that they actually see themselves that way in their mental imagery. If your mental imagery is constantly reinforcing your lack of confidence, this is what will show up in your speaking. To unpick your mental imagery, you can do the following:
The inner critic or ‘inner demon’ is the negative inner dialogue that can be a HUGE barrier to confident public speaking. Most of us have some kind of inner dialogue that diminishes our confidence as a speaker, if we choose to believe it.
So get aware of negative ‘thoughts inside the head’ and overcome them by:
Everyone knows you can't MAKE yourself charismatic right? WRONG.
The word charisma comes from the Greek word “gift”, befitting the notion that allure is something you’re born with, and can’t earn. Is charisma an intangible, magical aura that you either have or you don’t? Can you learn to “work a room” with a sly grin and a smile and being comfortable in your own skin?
And I argue yes… charisma is something you can cultivate and use in your public speaking. Read how to develop your charisma here!
You have the ability to feel that sense of power and deep confidence that, not only do you believe in your message, but you also have the ability to convert that fear into the exquisitely delicious energy to say whatever is needed. How to become confident comes from inside of you.
Listen to that voice of certainty that shows you the amazing presenter who was there all along. With a few small adjustments and your own unique smile, you CAN learn how to become fearless and show your audience the confident public speaking that lives inside… of you. And remember… audiences aren't the enemy, you simply need to get out of your own way.
If you'd like to find your way to more confident public speaking, why not join one of our public speaking courses? You’re most welcome!
This showcase of inspiring female speakers is part of Ginger's work with game changing leaders.
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