I am an experienced public speaker and a long-standing member of Toastmasters International. I have delivered more than a hundred speeches and have observed many presenters over the years.
You may often hear advice about breathing deeply, standing tall, and using body language to project confidence. While these techniques are helpful, there are other factors that are even more important for building real confidence in presentations.
From my experience, most presenters lack confidence for two main reasons:
1. Fear of mistakes
Many presenters worry about mispronouncing words, forgetting their points, or making mistakes in front of the audience.
This fear often becomes so strong that they focus more on avoiding errors than on communicating their message clearly.
2. Lack of preparation and practice
Confidence rarely appears by chance. It comes from preparation and repetition.
Unfortunately, many people hope their presentation will go well without putting in enough work. They avoid presenting whenever possible, and when they finally have no choice but to speak, they panic because they do not feel prepared.
The most embarrassing moment I have experienced, both personally and when watching others, is when there is a long silence because the presenter forgets what to say next.
Quick Tips to Gain Confidence
1. Master Your Words
Practice challenging words aloud
Record yourself and listen carefully
Focus on sounds that do not exist in your native language
2. Practise Your Presentation Until You Feel Confident
Write a clear introduction, body, and conclusion
Underline key words and stress them when speaking
Practise your presentation several times and try to avoid relying heavily on notes
Memorise key messages by heart
3. Project Confidence During Your Presentation
Even when you feel nervous, you can still project confidence through simple behaviours that connect you with your audience.
• Smile: A genuine smile helps you relax and makes you appear approachable and confident. It also helps the audience feel comfortable and engaged.
• Maintain eye contact. Look at different people in the audience rather than focusing on one spot or reading from your notes. Eye contact creates a connection and shows that you are confident and involved in the conversation.
• If you forget what to say next, involve the audience. If your mind suddenly goes blank, don’t panic. You can pause and ask the audience a simple question related to your topic. This gives you a moment to collect your thoughts while keeping the audience engaged.
For example, you might say: "Has anyone here faced a similar situation?"
This technique not only helps you recover smoothly but also makes your presentation more interactive.
If you want more exercises to speak clearly, reduce your accent, and deliver presentations confidently, explore my programs at:
Warmly,
Olga Smith Founder, BATCS Global