Confidence Basics & Building Authority

Confidence Is a Skill Not a Trait

Many people mistakenly believe that public speaking confidence is an innate personality trait something you are either born with or not. The truth is confidence is a skill that can be developed practiced and improved over time just like riding a bike or playing an instrument. It stems from a cycle of competence and evidence. The better you become at preparing and delivering the more positive experiences you accumulate and the more confident you feel for the next event.

The foundation of confidence is Preparation. When you feel fully prepared you replace anxiety with a sense of control. This foundational work transforms the speaking task from a performance you fear to a message you are eager to share. This section breaks down the essential steps to build genuine lasting confidence.

Phase 1 Mastering Your Content

Confidence begins long before you step onto a stage. It starts with your deep understanding and ownership of the material.

Know Your Why & Subject Authority

Confidence is significantly boosted when you speak on a topic you are passionate about and deeply understand. Subject Authority means you are the expert in the room on this topic. Remind yourself that you have knowledge the audience needs. Define your "Why" the core reason you are speaking. Is it to inform to inspire or to persuade? Connecting to this purpose shifts your focus from your fear to your audience's benefit.

Rehearsal for Ownership

Do not simply memorize your speech but internalize it. Practice should move from reading your Script Writing to reciting from your Outlining notes to ultimately speaking conversationally. Run through the speech multiple times under conditions that simulate the real event. Stand up speak loudly and use your hands. Practice key moments like the Hooks & Openings and the transitions until they feel natural. The more you rehearse the more the content becomes muscle memory which is a massive confidence booster.

Plan for Imperfection

A confident speaker is one who is prepared for things to go wrong. Develop contingency plans for technical issues interruptions or losing your place. Knowing you have a plan B prevents a minor mistake from spiraling into a confidence crisis. A simple strategy is to have your main points written on a small note card or device that you can glance at without drawing attention to it.

Phase 2 Utilizing Your Body & Voice

Confidence is communicated nonverbally before you even utter a word. Your posture and vocal delivery are powerful tools for projecting authority.

Adopt Confident Body Language

Use a confident Body Language stance known as the power pose. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart your shoulders back and your head held high. Avoid nervous habits like shifting weight fidgeting or clasping your hands tightly. Open gestures with your palms visible signal honesty and confidence. Before starting take a moment to root yourself feel the ground beneath your feet and then begin.

Harness Vocal Power

Confidence is heard through your voice. Use Vocal Warmups to ensure your voice is strong and clear. Practice Voice Projection speaking from your diaphragm to ensure your voice carries authority without sounding strained. Vary your Intonation & Expression to avoid a monotone delivery which can sound nervous or unengaged. Slow down your Pausing & Pacing. Speaking too quickly is a common sign of nervousness. Deliberate pauses signal control and allow the audience to absorb your key points.

The 10 Second Rule

The first 10 seconds on stage are often the hardest. During this time the audience forms their initial impression. Focus intensely on delivering your opening perfectly while maintaining strong Eye Contact. If you successfully navigate the first 10 seconds with control and strong delivery your confidence level will spike making the rest of the speech significantly easier.

Phase 3 The Confident Mindset Loop

Confidence is reinforced through a positive feedback loop of action and reflection. This is the core of a resilient Speaking Mindset.

Refuse The Inner Critic

Everyone has a critical inner voice. Confident speakers recognize this voice but choose not to listen to it. Instead replace self-criticism with positive affirmations focused on your value to the audience. Practice positive self-talk like I am prepared I have valuable information and I am excited to share this. This practice is a key component of building powerful Daily Speaking Habits.

Seek & Process Feedback

After every speaking opportunity regardless of size seek constructive feedback. Focus on actionable insights for improvement not just validation. Treat every speech as a learning experience. Review what worked what could be better and adjust your preparation routine for the next time. This continuous improvement builds genuine competence which is the engine of sustainable confidence.

Own Your Successes

Keep a mental or physical record of your speaking successes. Did someone tell you they loved your story? Did you stick to your time limit? Did the audience laugh at your joke? Every positive outcome is evidence that you are a capable speaker. Reviewing these moments reinforces the belief that you can succeed and helps counteract the memory bias toward failures or embarrassing moments.

Building confidence is a journey of continuous small victories. Embrace the challenge know your material control your nonverbals and actively manage your mindset. The result is a speaker who not only delivers an effective message but stands in their authority.