5 Simple Strategies to Boost Your Confidence and Speak with Authority

Confidence is the foundation of effective public speaking. Without it, even the best-prepared speeches can fall flat. Whether you're presenting to a small team or a large audience, speaking with confidence is what makes your message resonate. But what if you're not feeling confident right now?

The good news is, confidence is a skill that can be cultivated. By implementing a few simple strategies, you can build your self-assurance and improve your public speaking abilities.

1. Posture: Stand Tall, Speak Tall

How you carry yourself has a direct impact on how others perceive you—and how you perceive yourself. When you stand tall with your shoulders back, chest open, and head high, you project confidence and authority. This posture not only makes you appear more self-assured, but it also helps you feel more confident.

When you're giving a speech or presentation, avoid slouching or crossing your arms, as these signals can communicate insecurity. Instead, stand with your feet hip-width apart, and engage with the audience through purposeful movements.

2. Practice Positive Self-Talk

What you say to yourself has a profound effect on your confidence. If you constantly tell yourself that you're not good enough or that you'll mess up, your body will respond accordingly. On the other hand, positive self-talk can help you stay calm and composed.

Before a speaking event, remind yourself of your strengths. For example, say, “I’ve prepared well for this,” or “I know this material inside and out.” Reaffirm your belief in yourself, and you’ll find that you carry that confidence into your performance.

3. Embrace the Power of Breathing

Breathing deeply and slowly can help calm your nerves, reduce anxiety, and center your focus. The way we breathe when nervous often leads to shallow, fast breaths, which can exacerbate feelings of anxiety. By practicing deep breathing exercises, you can lower your stress levels and restore calmness before stepping on stage. I am a big advocate of the box-breathing method to calm nerves: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds. Repeat this cycle a few times before your speech to centre your mind and body.

4. Use Visualisation Techniques

Visualisation is one of the most effective ways to boost your confidence before a speaking engagement. Take a moment to close your eyes and imagine yourself delivering your speech with clarity and poise. Picture the audience reacting positively, nodding in agreement, and applauding at the end. This mental rehearsal creates a powerful connection between your mind and body, helping you feel more confident and less anxious.

5. Get Comfortable with Pauses

One of the most common mistakes speakers make is rushing through their speeches because of nerves. This can result in a fast-paced, jumbled delivery that doesn’t allow the audience to absorb your message. By incorporating pauses into your speech, you not only give your audience time to process what you've said, but you also give yourself a moment to gather your thoughts.

Pauses also allow you to control the pacing of your delivery, helping you speak more deliberately and confidently. When you pause and show you’re comfortable with silence, you project authority, and it gives your words more weight.

Why Coaching Can Fast-Track Your Confidence

While these strategies are effective, they may take time to develop on your own. A public speaking coach can accelerate your progress by providing structured support and feedback. Whether you're preparing for a keynote address or simply want to speak more confidently in meetings, a coach can help you fine-tune your skills and overcome your specific challenges.

If you’re serious about speaking with authority, consider booking a coaching session today. Together, we can identify your areas of improvement and create a plan to build your confidence step by step.