CONFIDENCE TIPS & TRICKS

Regardless of your experience or level of self-esteem, it's only natural to feel at least a little nervous
when you stand in front of an audience and deliver a public speech. Left unchecked, the butterflies in
your stomach can derail your entire presentation.

Thankfully, there are ways to master your nervousness so you can confidently deliver your speech and
make a great impression.

Try these methods to banish stage fright and give an excellent performance:

1. Be prepared. The old saying, “practice makes perfect,” is especially true when it comes to public
speaking. Take the time to rehearse your speech several times before the big event.

• In addition to practicing your speech out loud to yourself, ask co-workers, friends, and loved ones
if you can practice delivering your speech while standing in front of them. Practicing before a live
audience makes the actual speech less stressful.
• Consider recording your practice sessions. You’ll gain insight on areas of your speech and
delivery that you can make more effective.

2. Focus on your posture, both on and off the stage. Maintaining good posture when you walk, stand,
and sit helps to increase your oxygen levels and blood flow.

• Having the proper posture can boost your mood and makes it easier to project your voice across
the room during your speech.

3. Reduce anxiety before your speech with regular exercise. Moderately strenuous exercise that
elevates your heart rate can help you to relax and unwind in the days leading up to your speech.

• Many times, a case of nerves or stage fright is simply pent up energy, which can easily be
released through regular exercise such as brisk walking or even dancing!

4. Make a connection with your audience. You can calm your nerves and make your audience more
receptive to the content in your speech by building rapport.

• Walk into the room with your head held high and make eye contact with members of your
audience.
• Put yourself and others at ease by telling a lighthearted joke or funny anecdote before you dive
into the heart of your speech.
• Vary the rhythm and pitch of your voice as you deliver your speech to hold your audience's
interest.

5. Before you deliver your speech, visualize its success. Our subconscious minds are powerful tools.
• Trick your brain into helping you achieve the result you desire. Whatever your mind focuses on,
your subconscious mind will try to achieve. If you visualize your speech going off without a
hitch, your subconscious mind will work to make it a success!

6. Be yourself and have fun. Most of us can spot a phony a mile away, and audiences are no
exception!

Confidence Cheatsheet – Tips & Tricks to compliment Speak with Confidence by Mike Acker
 • When you deliver a speech, seek a way to present some part of you that is authentic. Being
open, honest, and professional will help your audience to connect with you and trust your
message.
• If you feel anxiety start to build as you deliver your speech, take a moment to take a deep breath
and slowly exhale before you resume speaking to regain your control.
• Accept that you are human. Worrying about making a mistake when you’re giving a speech
will only increase the likelihood of it happening. If you do make a mistake, simply correct it
and move on.

Public speaking can cause even the bravest hearts to quiver, but these tricks can help you banish your
stage fright and deliver a winning performance.

Top 10 Self-Confidence Building Tips

A lack of confidence can affect every area of your life, from your job performance to your personal
relationships. In reality, how you perceive yourself has a powerful impact on how others treat you.

Some factors in bolstering self-confidence may be beyond your control, but there are some very tangible
things that you can do as well. Using these tips will help you reach your full potential as a successful and
confident person.

1. Dress confidently. Dress like the person you want to be and you’ll feel yourself become that
person. When you look good, you’ll feel good. Now, this doesn’t mean that you have to go out
and spend a fortune on clothes. It’s better to buy a few really nice pieces than a bunch of cheap
ones.

2. Walk faster. People who walk confidently keep a brisk pace because they have things to do and
places to be. Simply quickening your step will help you feel more confident.

3. Keep good posture. People can tell a lot about you by the way you carry yourself. If you have
slumped shoulders and cannot look people in the eye, you’ll leave a negative impression on
them. Keep your head up, make eye contact with others, and stand up straight and tall. You have
nothing to hide.

4. Be grateful. Gratitude creates a state of peace in the body. A peaceful mind radiates confidence.
Make a list of the things you appreciate about yourself and be grateful for your past successes.
Tell those you love how much you appreciate them being in your life.

5. Compliment others. In addition to showing appreciation for what you have, it’s also important to
show others your appreciation. If you think negatively about yourself, then you’ll have a tendency
to criticize others. Break this habit by praising others on a daily basis. Seeing the best in others
will bring out the best in you.

6. Give back. Contributing to the success of others will not only help you feel better about yourself,
but karma will reward you in the end. What goes around comes around, right? Volunteer your
time to help those in need or make a monetary contribution to your favorite local charity.

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 7. Don’t be afraid to speak up. Many people keep quiet for fear of saying something silly. Taking
an active role in discussions will distinguish you as a leader amongst your peers. They will quickly
recognize that you have confidence and plenty to offer.

8. Exercise regularly. If you work hard to create a better physical image, you’ll not only be
healthier, but you’ll also have more energy. Both of these things will contribute to your self-
confidence, as will the compliments you’ll receive.

9. Sit in the front row. Most of us have a tendency to try to blend into the back of the room
somewhere. We don’t like being noticed. Confident people sit up front where they can take part in
discussions without fear.

10. Take a chance and try something new. Learning a new hobby or activity will broaden your
horizons and help you feel “alive.” Anytime you spend stretching your mind improves your overall
self-confidence.

Life’s Lessons

The more self-confidence you build in yourself, the more likely you’ll be to succeed. No matter what task
you choose to conquer, you’ll do so with enthusiasm. Any setbacks you encounter won’t bother you
because you’ll have the confidence necessary to continue.