9 SIMPLE SKILL THAT WILL MAKE YOU CONFIDENT WHEN SPEAKING IN THE PUBLIC

If you want to be more confident when talking in public, start practising these 9 simple body language tricks


Speaking in public can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not naturally confident in these situations.

The key, though, is to understand that confidence isn’t just about what you say – it’s also about how you present yourself.

That’s where body language comes in. It can be a powerful tool for communicating confidence and competence, even when you don’t necessarily feel that way inside.

In this article, I’m going to share with you nine simple body language tricks that can help boost your confidence when talking in public. These are techniques anyone can practice and perfect.

Let’s dive in.

1) Stand tall and take up space
When it comes to public speaking, one of the most important body language tricks is how you use your physical space.

Standing tall and taking up space can instantly convey confidence. It’s a non-verbal signal that tells your audience you’re comfortable in your own skin and confident in what you’re saying.

So how do you put this into practice?

Start by standing straight, with your shoulders back and your head held high. Avoid hunching or leaning on one leg. This posture not only helps you to appear confident, but it also helps you to feel more confident.

And when it comes to using your space, don’t be afraid to move around. This doesn’t mean pacing constantly, but purposeful movement can help to keep the audience’s attention and show that you’re in control of the room.

Your body language is silently communicating with your audience long before you begin speaking. So make sure it’s sending the right message.

2) Maintain eye contact
Eye contact is another crucial aspect of body language. It’s a powerful way to connect with your audience and show them that you’re confident and engaged.

I remember when I first started giving public speeches. I was so nervous about messing up my words that I would often look down at my notes or stare at a spot on the wall. I thought I was hiding my nerves, but in reality, I was disconnecting from my audience.

Then, during a public speaking workshop, the instructor pointed out the power of eye contact. He explained that by maintaining eye contact with various members of the audience, we not only engage them more effectively but also come across as more confident and assured.

So I decided to give it a try in my next speech. It felt awkward at first, but I could see the difference in how the audience responded to me. They seemed more engaged and responsive to what I was saying.

From then on, I’ve made a conscious effort to maintain eye contact during my speeches. It’s made a huge difference in how confident I feel and how well my message is received.

3) Use gestures purposefully
Gestures are a powerful tool in your body language arsenal. They can emphasize your key points, portray passion, and even help your audience visualize what you’re talking about.

But here’s something you might not have considered: researchers from the University of Chicago found that speakers whose TED Talks were rated as the most popular used an average of 465 hand gestures during their 18-minute presentations. That’s over 25 gestures per minute!

So, what does this mean for you? Well, it suggests that using your hands while speaking can make you more engaging and memorable.

But remember, it’s all about balance. Too few gestures and you may appear stiff or nervous. Too many, and you risk distracting your audience from your message. The key is to use gestures that naturally complement and enhance what you’re saying.

When you’re preparing for a public speaking engagement, don’t forget to plan out not just what you’ll say, but how you’ll say it – including your gestures.

4) Smile genuinely
Smiling is a simple body language trick that can have a powerful impact on your audience. A genuine smile can make you appear approachable, confident, and engaging.

But the key word here is “genuine”. A forced smile can create a sense of unease and appear insincere. Instead, think about something that makes you happy or something funny before you start speaking. This can help to bring about a natural smile.

Also, smiling doesn’t just influence how others see you – it can also affect how you feel. Numerous studies have shown that the act of smiling can actually make us feel happier and more relaxed.

When you’re preparing to speak in public, remember to put on a genuine smile. It will not only help to set a positive tone for your speech but it may also help to calm your nerves.

5) Control your breathing
When we’re nervous, it’s common for our breathing to become shallow and quick. This can make our voices sound shaky or uncertain and can even lead to feelings of panic.

Controlling your breathing is a body language trick that can help you appear more confident and stay calm while speaking in public.

Before you start speaking, take a few deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. This can help to slow your heart rate and calm your nerves.


During your speech, try to maintain this controlled breathing. Not only will it help to steady your voice, but it can also serve as a grounding technique if you start to feel nervous.

When it comes to public speaking, don’t forget to breathe! It’s a simple trick, but it can make a big difference in how confident you appear.

6) Show your passion
There’s something incredibly captivating about a speaker who is truly passionate about what they’re talking about. It’s infectious and can draw in an audience like nothing else.

Showing your passion through your body language is a powerful way to connect with your audience and demonstrate your confidence in your topic.

This doesn’t mean you have to be overly dramatic or theatrical. Instead, it’s about allowing your genuine enthusiasm for the topic to shine through in your gestures, facial expressions, and tone of voice.

When you’re passionate about what you’re speaking about, it shows. And not only does it make your speech more engaging, but it also helps to boost your own confidence.

Don’t be afraid to let your passion show when you’re speaking in public. It can make all the difference between a good speech and a great one.

7) Manage your nerves
Public speaking can be nerve-wracking, no matter how many times you’ve done it before. In fact, before a big presentation, I often find my heart pounding and my palms getting sweaty.

But over the years, I’ve learned that it’s not about eliminating these feelings of nervousness. It’s about learning to manage them.

One technique I find particularly helpful is visualization. Before a speech, I close my eyes and imagine myself delivering the presentation smoothly and confidently. I visualize the audience listening attentively and responding positively.

Another technique is to use positive affirmations. I often repeat phrases like “I am confident” or “I am well-prepared” to myself before I go on stage.

Both of these techniques help to calm my nerves and put me in a more positive mindset. And when I step onto that stage, despite the butterflies in my stomach, I feel ready and capable.

Managing your nerves is a crucial part of appearing confident when speaking in public. It’s something we all struggle with, but with practice, you can learn to use your nerves to your advantage.

8) Vary your voice
Your voice is one of the most important tools you have when speaking in public. A monotone voice can make even the most exciting topic seem dull and uninteresting.

Varying your voice – in terms of pitch, pace, and volume – can keep your audience engaged and make your speech more impactful.

Try to emphasize key points by speaking slower or louder. Change your pitch to convey emotion or excitement. And don’t be afraid to pause for effect.

It’s not just about what you say, but how you say it. So use your voice to its full potential to convey confidence and engage your audience.

9) Practice makes perfect
The single most important thing you need to know about improving your body language for public speaking is this: practice.

Just like any skill, improving your body language takes time and consistent effort. It’s not something that will happen overnight. But with practice, you’ll start to see improvements.

Rehearse your speech in front of a mirror. Record yourself and watch it back. Seek feedback from others. The more you practice, the more natural and confident your body language will become.

Keep practicing. It’s the best way to improve your body language and, in turn, boost your confidence when speaking in public.

Final thoughts: It’s all about authenticity
At the heart of all these body language tricks lies one fundamental principle: authenticity.

Being authentic in your body language means aligning your non-verbal cues with your words and emotions. It’s about being true to yourself and your message, even when you’re standing in front of an audienc
Authenticity is what differentiates a speaker who merely delivers a speech from one who truly connects with the audience.

And here’s an interesting fact: research shows that audiences are incredibly perceptive when it comes to authenticity. They can sense when a speaker is being genuine and when they’re just putting on a show.

So as you practice these body language tricks, remember that the goal isn’t to put on a performance. It’s to authentically convey your message and connect with your audience.

And when you do that, you’ll not only appear more confident but you’ll also be more effective in your public speaking. Because at the end of the day, authenticity is what truly resonates with people.

So keep practicing, stay authentic, and watch as your public speaking confidence soars.