Ideal Practices to Speak with Confidence

Confidence is the act of convincing oneself that they are unique and powerful. It determines how people see the beauty in themselves, from their physical appearance to their skills and talents.

When people are confident in themselves, it urges them to believe that they can successfully overcome personal and professional life challenges that come their way. Moreover, it also associates the willingness of a person to act accordingly to the situation.

Embracing this belief helps individuals feel positive about themselves, leading to a good attitude and self-acceptance. Because of this, people always strive to achieve this state but fail to do so.

People with no trust in themselves tend to lack the power and voice to speak for themselves and others. Let's end this problem; we want you to find your real voice and speak confidently to the crowd.

This article will discuss tips and tricks for having a confident voice and help you ace your next public speaking event.

Talking or speaking in a public or professional setting with a confident voice is always a tough battle for a significant percentage of people. The thought of it can give anyone significant shivers.

Countless factors can contribute to this unedifying fear. Still, one of the reasons people are afraid of public speaking is judgments.

We are scared to be the center of attraction, which can lead to significant criticism. But there is always time to turn the tables around and be the confident speaker you aim to be.

Following a set of tips wouldn't hurt; take these pieces of advice by heart to achieve that confident public speaking voice. In turn, having a successful interaction with the audience.

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In today's time, four (4) different factors can impact one's confidence, especially when speaking: tone of voice, rate of speech, body language, and attitude.

This write-up will list the top recommendations according to these four sections. In this way, everyone can follow and apply everything accordingly.

Projecting Your Voice

The prospect of speaking in front of others with a confident voice can be daunting. Your heart races, your palms sweat, and your mind go blank.

Sometimes, you may even feel like you're going to faint or have a panic attack. Fortunately, there are things you can do to ease your social anxiety and speak with confidence.

1. Practice deep breathing exercises.
   • In this way, you can embody a confident voice tone, calm down, and focus on the present moment.
2. Visualize yourself speaking confidently.
   • Picture yourself delivering a great speech or presentation.
   • Perceive yourself as the audience sees you: calm, collected, and in control.
3. Use positive self-talk with an encouraging voice tone.
   • Tell yourself that you can do this and that you're not going to let your social anxiety get the best of you.
4. Focus on the other person.
   • Instead of worrying about what people think of you, focus on connecting with them.
   • Listen to what they're saying and try to engage in conversation instead of thinking about what you will say next.
5. Take baby steps.
   • If thinking about speaking in front of a large group makes you anxious, start by practicing with one person first.
   • Then work up to smaller groups until you're comfortable enough to speak in front of larger audiences.

Avoiding Filler Words

When we are nervous, our public speaking voice tone starts to decline. In turn, our speech tends to be peppered with filler words like "um," "like," and "you know."

While these words may help us buy time to think of what to say next, they can make us sound unsure of ourselves.

If you find yourself using filler words frequently, here are some tips to get your confident voice ready for public speaking:

1. Practice speaking in front of a mirror or recording yourself to become aware of when you use filler words.
2. After realizing these series of events, try to replace them with pauses instead. Doing this will help you sound more confident and sure of yourself.
3. Make a conscious effort to reduce using these words by monitoring yourself as you speak. Over time, you should be able to reduce their use significantly.

Talking with Conviction

When it comes to social anxiety, one of the main goals is to practice having a positive voice tone to speak confidently.

A tough mannerism to beat, especially for those suffering from social anxiety often have difficulty getting their confident voice ready for action, being assertive, and speaking up for themselves.

However, learning to speak with conviction is possible, even if you suffer from social anxiety. Here are the proven and tested ways to get your confident voice ready for public speaking:

1. Be prepared and know what you want to say before you speak. Doing this will help you feel more confident and avoid getting tongue-tied or flustered.
2. Practice what you want to say.
   • Rehearse in front of a mirror or with a friend to get used to speaking your words out loud.
   • The more comfortable you are with your words, the easier it will be to say them with conviction.
3. Speak slowly and clearly.
   • When anxious, we tend to talk quickly and garble our words.
   • Take it easy and make sure that you're articulating yourself with clarity. Doing this will help you come across as a more confident public speaker.
4. Make eye contact.
   • In reality, this can be one of the hardest things to do when feeling anxious.
   • Still, a professional public speaker always makes eye contact to show that they're confident in what they're saying, enticing people to believe in their message.
5. Take some deep breaths before you start speaking.
   • Doing this can calm your nerves and give you some extra oxygen that your brain can take in, helping you be at ease.

Utilizing Concrete Words

When we utilize concrete and specific language, we are more likely to communicate clearly and concisely. In this way, you speak confidently in public, helping you to better understand and predict the reactions of others.

Here are a few examples to further explain this tip:

1. When describing people, use adjectives that denote specific physical characteristics rather than general terms like "nice" or "mean."
   • For example, instead of saying, "She's a nice person," you could say, "She's a kind person."
2. When describing actions, use verbs that denote specific actions rather than general terms like "go" or "do."
   • For example, instead of saying, "I'm going to the store," you could say, "I'm going to buy some groceries."
3. When describing objects, use nouns that denote specific objects rather than general terms like "thing" or "stuff."
   • For example, instead of saying, "That's a cool thing," you could say, "That's a really neat gadget."
4. When describing emotions, use words that denote specific emotions rather than general terms like "happy" or "sad."
   • For example, instead of saying, "I'm feeling happy," you could say, "I'm feeling joyful."
5. When describing thoughts, use words that denote specific ideas rather than general terms like "think" or "know."
   • For example, instead of saying, "I think she likes me," you could say, "I know she likes me."

Keeping Moderate Voice Sound

Our voices carry the words we say and the emotions we feel when speaking. When anxious, our voices tend to sound higher and faster than average, making us sound like we're trying to get away from something – which is precisely how we feel!

There are a few things you can do to keep your public speaking voice sounding moderate, even when you're feeling anxious:

1. Breathe deeply from your stomach.
   • Doing this will help relax your whole body, including your vocal cords. In turn, making your voice stronger and more transparent.
2. Slow down.
   • It's okay to take pauses between sentences. In this way, you speak more deliberately and with more intention.
3. Project your voice slightly.
   • Don't yell, but relatively speaking from your diaphragm so that your voice carries without sounding forced.
4. Relax your jaw and tongue.
   • We tend to tense up these muscles when anxious, but it also adds tension to our voice. Let them be loose and relaxed.

Showing Emotion When Speaking

The majority of people show emotion when they speak. It's natural as we want to express how we feel, and it can be a helpful way to build rapport with others.

However, for people with no confidence, showing emotion can be difficult. Make your voice stronger, talk confidently, control your emotions, and ace that speech through these tips:

1. Try to speak in a monotone voice. This cannot be easy to do at first, but it will help to keep your emotions in check.
2. Focus on the words you're saying and not the emotions you're feeling. This can be tricky, but it's important to remember that your words are more important than your emotions.
3. Practice deep breathing exercises before speaking. This will help you to relax and stay calm while speaking.

Lowering Voice for Serious Topics

Feeling nervous about speaking up during a serious conversation is perfectly normal. In fact, many people feel more comfortable speaking in low tones when the topic is important or sensitive.

Practice those vocal cords and be confident in speaking through these suggestions:

1. A confident public speaker makes sure that they're well-prepared before the speech.
   • This means that you have all the relevant information at your fingertips and you're well aware of what you want to say.
   • Ask a trusted friend or family member for help beforehand if you're unsure about something.
2. Take your time, and don't rush your words.
   • Speaking slowly can make your voice stronger during the speech. In turn, helping you stay calm, ensuring that the audience can understand everything you're saying.
3. Choose your words carefully.
   • Think about what you want to say before speaking. This way, you can avoid uttering anything that might come across as offensive, making the situation worse.
4. Use positive body language.
   • Smile, make eye contact, and sit or stand up straight. These nonverbal cues will show that you're confident and ready to engage in the conversation.
5. Practice beforehand if necessary.
   • If you're worried about how the conversation will go, consider practicing with a friend or family member. This way, you'll know what to expect and feel more prepared when discussing the topic.

Speaking Slowly & Clearly

A majority of people can understand us better when we speak slowly and clearly. We also project confidence and ease, making others feel more comfortable around us.

1. Make sure your mouth is not dry - take a sip of water before you start speaking.
2. Pronounce each word correctly - don't rush or mumble through your words.
3. Articulate clearly - use facial expressions and hand gestures to help communicate your message.
4. Slow down - if you speak too quickly, take a deep breath and slow down your speech.
5. Repeat what you've heard - after someone has spoken, repeat what you've listened to ensure understanding.

Pausing When Needed

When it comes to social anxiety, one of the best things you can do is learn to pause when needed. This can be challenging, but it's important to remember that pausing is normal and healthy.

There are a few different ways you can go about pausing in a conversation.

1. One way is to take a break from talking. You can continue the discussion but take a brief break from speaking.
2. Pausing before changing the subject is also a good idea. This can be a good option if you're feeling overwhelmed or uncomfortable with the current topic of conversation.
3. Finally, don't be afraid to make your voice stronger, and use body language to communicate that you need a break
   • If you're starting to feel anxious, try crossing your arms or legs or holding your hand in a "stop" gesture. These nonverbal cues will let the other person know that you need a moment, and they'll likely respect your wishes.

Pausing may not always be easy, but it's an essential skill to practice if you want to manage your public speaking skills. Taking breaks when needed ensures that conversations stay enjoyable and manageable for both yourself and the other person.

Smiling at Audience

When you're nervous, it's easy to forget that your audience is rooting for you; well, in fact, the majority of people want you to succeed.

So, take a deep breath, give them a smile, and enjoy the entire presentation. Doing this can help you relax and remind them that you're likable.

Smiling is considered a confident body language in history. So, if you get lost during a presentation, take a quick break and smile.

Find someone who looks supportive and make eye contact with them while you collect your thoughts. It'll help ground you and give you the confidence to keep going.

Using Hand Gestures

Knowing what to do with your hands can be challenging when you don't have confidence. You might be worrying about the fact that people will judge you if you don't gesture enough.

Make hand gestures as your "power posing" act to look more confident when speaking in front of people. Remember, there is no one right way to use hand gestures.

Some people find that gesturing naturally helps them feel more comfortable and confident when speaking. In contrast, others prefer to keep their hands still.

If you need clarification on what feels best to achieve a powerful presentation and speech, experiment with different approaches and see what works.

1. Show off your public speaking skills through gestures to emphasize key points. For example, you might gesture widely when making a strong statement or use quick, small motions when highlighting something important.
2. Moreover, you can also use gestures to add variety to your speaking. Gestures can help break up the monotony of speaking in a steady voice and help listeners follow along more quickly.
3. Lastly, avoid fidgeting or making nervous movements. Instead, choose purposeful gestures to demonstrate that you're confident speaking in front of the audience.

Maintaining Eye Contact

Maintaining eye contact is incredibly important when speaking with someone, especially if you want to be confident. It shows that you're engaged in the conversation and makes the other person feel more comfortable.

1. Try not to stare, as that can make the other person uncomfortable. Instead, keep your gaze soft and relaxed.
2. Don't avoid eye contact altogether, as that will make you seem nervous or uninterested.
3. If you're feeling anxious, take a deep breath and remind yourself that there's nothing to be afraid of. It can also help to focus on the other person's eyebrows or nose instead of their eyes.

Sustaining Open Body Language

When we are anxious, our body language often betrays us. We may cross our arms, avoid eye contact, or fidget nervously.

Such behaviors can make us appear unapproachable, preventing us from giving a powerful presentation. Sustaining open body language means understanding our nonverbal cues and keeping them in check.

1. Instead of crossing our arms or legs, we should keep them uncrossed and available to communicate that we are approachable and receptive.
2. Maintaining eye contact is also vital; looking away or down at the ground can give the impression that we are not interested in engaging with others.
3. Finally, it is essential to try to relax and control any fidgeting. Yes, this can be difficult when feeling shy and unconfident, but it is worth the effort as it will help us come across as calm and confident.

Standing Up Straight

Providing a powerful presentation means practicing good posture, meaning standing up straight with your shoulders back and your chin up. Doing this can make you look more confident.

In a professional setting, having a good posture is believed for positively helping anxious people breathe more efficiently and effectively.

Breathing Exercises

When you're anxious, your breathing quickens and becomes shallower, leading to feelings of lightheadedness and dizziness. Taking control of your breath can help calm your body and ease these symptoms.

There are a few different breathing exercises you can try to help you increase your level of confidence. In this way, you can ace the entire presentation and speech.

The 5-5-5 Breathing Exercise

1. Start by exhaling completely through your mouth.
2. Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of five.
3. Hold your breath for a count of five.
4. Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of five.
5. Repeat this cycle five times.

The 4-7-8 Breathing Exercise

1. Start by exhaling completely through your mouth.
2. Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of four.
3. Hold your breath for a count of seven.
4. Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of eight.
5. Repeat this cycle four times.

The Belly Breathing Exercise

1. Start by placing one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest.
2. As you breathe through your nose, focus on pushing out your stomach, so your hand moves.
3. Your chest should not move much during this exercise – just let it rise and fall naturally as you focus on deep belly breaths.
4. Repeat this exercise for 10 deep breaths in and out

Finding a Role Model

A majority of people suffer from social anxiety, making them less confident about themselves. When this happens, one of the best things to do is find a role model, which is the type of person who embodies the confidence you're aiming.

Seeing someone else succeed in speaking confidently can be incredibly inspiring. It may give you the motivation you need to start speaking with conviction in public.

Of course, finding a role model is easier said than done. If you don't have close friends or family members who fit the bill, try looking for celebrities or other public figures who handle social situations with grace and ease.

Another option is to seek out social anxiety support groups in your area. In this way, you'll be able to meet people who are going through the same experience as you and can serve as an excellent source of inspiration and encouragement.

Practicing Beforehand

When it comes to public speaking, one of the best things you can do is practice beforehand. In this way, you'll be better equipped to handle any nerves or anxiety that may come up when speaking in front of others.

1. Think about what the topics you're planning to discuss ahead of time.
2. Rehearse what you want to say in your head or out loud can also be good practice.
3. Practice deep breathing and other relaxation techniques to calm your mind and body.
4. Visualizing yourself speaking confidently and calmly can prepare you for the actual presentation.

Making Up for Mistakes

Most people have made a mistake or two in your life. Maybe you said something you shouldn't have during an important presentation at work, or perhaps you got nervous and said "um" a lot during a first date.

Whatever the case may be, we all have room for improvement when it comes to communication. According to several professional and dynamic speakers, the more you put yourself out there and communicate with others, the more confident you'll become.

Here are the proven and tested ways you can do to make up for past mistakes and become a more confident communicator:

1. Take some time to reflect on what went wrong that made you anxious or caused you to make a mistake.
2. Make a plan to avoid those triggers in the future.
3. Practice, practice, practice to prepare for fun, enjoyable, and persuasive presentations in the future.

Making up for past mistakes can be difficult, but it's not impossible. With some reflection and effort, you can develop into a confident speaker who can handle any situation that comes your way.

Transforming Nervous Energy into Enthusiasm

People without confidence find managing nervousness and anxiety in day-to-day interactions a tough battle.

The good news is that there are practices that can help ease these nerves and allow you to speak with confidence.

1. The first step is to determine what exactly is making you nervous. Once you know your triggers, you can start addressing them head-on.
   • Remember that giving out persuasive presentations always starts by identifying your anxious thoughts and feelings.
2. Challenge your anxious thoughts. After identifying your anxious thoughts, it's important to challenge them.
   • We often find that our anxiety is unfounded, unless we thoroughly examine it. So, to address this concern, ask yourself these questions:
      • Why do I feel this way?
      • Is there evidence to support my anxiety?
   
3. Breathe deeply and focus on the present moment. Anxiety can often make us feel like we're not in control of our bodies or minds.
   • Taking a few deep breaths and focusing on the present moment can help us regain control and calm our nerves.
4. Practice visualization techniques. A visualization is a powerful tool that can help calm nerves and ease anxiety.
   • Picture yourself in a situation that's making you anxious.
5. Instead of feeling fear or dread, imagine yourself feeling confident and capable.
   • See yourself succeeding in whatever task or conversation you embark on.

Feeling Good About Yourself

Suppose you're one of the many people who suffer from social anxiety. In that case, you know how difficult it can be to speak confidently and embody positive mental imagery.

You may feel like you're being judged or that you're not good enough. However, some practices can help you feel better and increase your confidence.

1. One practice that can help is to focus on your strengths. Make a list of things that you're good at or that make you unique.
2. When you feel anxious about speaking, look at this list and remind yourself of your strengths. This can help boost your confidence and give you something positive to focus on.
3. Another helpful practice is visualization.
   • Visualize yourself as a confident person who speaks quickly and confidently.
   • See yourself in situations where you're feeling anxious and imagine how you would handle them confidently. In this way, you can train your mind to respond differently to anxiety-inducing situations.
4. Remember that everyone makes mistakes sometimes.
   • If you mess up while speaking, don't beat yourself up about it. Everyone has moments where they trip over their words or say something awkward.
   • Just dust yourself off and try again next time. Remembering that everyone makes mistakes can help take the pressure off of yourself and make speaking feel less daunting.

Embracing a Positive Energy

It is no secret that social anxiety can be debilitating. Individuals who suffer from this condition often avoid social situations for fear of embarrassment or judgment.

This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. The good news is there are ways you can do to ease your social anxiety and build confidence.

The following techniques can help you identify and change negative thought patterns to start seeing the world in a more positive light.

1. One of the most important things you can do is to embrace a positive attitude. When you have a positive outlook, you are more likely to see the best in people and situations, and be better equipped to handle setbacks.
   • Additionally, a positive attitude will make you more approachable and likable, which can help reduce your anxiety in social situations.
   • Of course, it is easier said than done to "be positive." If you struggle with negative thoughts, try cognitive-behavioral techniques such as reframing or challenging thinking.