If you really want to become a confident speaker, say goodbye to these 10 habits

When giving a speech, looking at your notes or the floor may seem like a safe option. But, avoiding eye contact can actually make you appear less confident and dishonest. It also prevents you from connecting with your audience.

To improve, practice making eye contact with friends and family during conversations. This will help make it feel more natural during speeches. Remember, maintaining eye contact is a powerful way to connect with your audience and keep them engaged.

Many of us speed up our speech when we're nervous or trying to make a point, but did you know that speaking slower actually shows more confidence and control? Slowing down can also help your audience better understand and absorb your message.

When giving a speech or presentation, it's important to pace yourself. Take a deep breath, pause when necessary, and give your words the weight they deserve. This will help your audience follow along and appreciate what you have to say. 👌🎤

Cut out ums, likes, and you knows – fillers are a public speaker's nemesis. They show lack of confidence and preparation. But there's a solution.

Over time, you'll see a boost in your confidence as a speaker - goodbye fillers!

We've all heard the saying "practice makes perfect", and it couldn't be more true when it comes to speaking confidently. Many people believe they can wing it, but the reality is even experienced speakers dedicate hours to rehearsing their speeches.

Practice helps you become familiar with your material, reduce anxiety, and deliver your speech with confidence. Make it a habit to rehearse your speech multiple times before the big day. Your confidence will thank you!

Embrace your uniqueness and let it shine through in your speech. The fear of judgement may seem daunting, but once you put your focus on expressing your true self and the value you bring, it becomes easier to overcome.

We often worry about what others will think or say about us. The truth is, everyone makes mistakes and there will always be someone who disagrees or criticizes. But don't let that stop you from speaking your mind and sharing your ideas. Remember, your voice and your perspective have value, and it's important to embrace and share them confidently.

Are you afraid of receiving feedback? Feedback helps you learn by giving you a different viewpoint of your strengths and areas for improvement.

Don't be afraid to ask for feedback from others. Seek it out confidently from your peers, mentors, or audience members to enhance your skills as a speaker. Use it as a tool for self-improvement and growth. Remember, constructive criticism is not a personal attack, but a chance to learn and improve.

💡 Once I embraced feedback, my public speaking skills improved significantly. Yours can too! 💪

Do you strive for perfection in public speaking? It may actually do more harm than good.

Instead, embrace your imperfections, be authentic, and connect better with your audience. This boosts confidence and makes your presentation more engaging and relatable.

• Perfection puts unnecessary pressure on yourself
• It can cause anxiety that hinders your delivery
• Your audience values your ideas, energy, and unique perspective over flawless speaking

Your body language is just as important as your words when communicating. It can either enhance your message or distract from it, so pay attention! Standing tall with open body language shows confidence, while slouching can make you seem less confident.

Do not neglect body language - it can boost confidence and make your speech more effective. Remember:

• Practice using gestures to emphasize points.
• Make sure facial expressions match words.

At the end of the day, the biggest obstacle to your confidence as a speaker might just be your own self-doubt.

Believing in yourself and your abilities is critical. You have to trust that you have valuable insights to share and that you’re capable of sharing them effectively.

Silence the nagging voice of self-doubt and replace it with self-belief. You are more capable than you think. Once you truly believe this, you’ll radiate confidence every time you step on that stage.

Embarking the journey to becoming a confident speaker requires learning, unlearning, and relearning. It's normal to stumble and feel self-doubt, but every step towards improvement is valuable. Remember as Mark Twain said, there are two types of speakers - the nervous and the liars. So, if you feel nervous, know that you're not alone.

Take a moment to consider these words & ask yourself - are you ready to conquer your speaking fears? Can you embrace confidence and let your voice be heard? While there's no easy solution, with determination and self-acceptance, you can become a confident speaker.