7 INDICATORS OF A CONFIDENT PUBLIC SPEAKER

Whether you are a budding public speaker just starting out or you are an experienced speaker keen to fine tune your skills, there’s one thing that unites all speakers: the ongoing need to have confidence!

This article is part of a three article series. In this series we are going to consider and share with you our thoughts on (1) What is confidence for a public speaker? (2) Why confidence is vital for a public speaker? (3) How to build your confidence as a public speaker.  We hope you find it useful!

What is confidence for a public speaker?

Anyone can look up the generic dictionary definition of confidence but in getting to the heart of what confidence is for a public speaker we want to get more practical. Below are 7 indicators of a confident public speaker:

1. ATTENTION GRABBING INTRODUCTION

A confident speaker has the audience hanging onto their every word from the opening sentence. Many speakers fall into the trap of not investing enough time in honing the first couple of sentences that fly out of their mouth. Overcome by nerves the opening is acquired..”Hi um, pleased to be here yeah”. A friendly, flawless and filler word free introduction is the mark of a confident speaker.

2. HONEST CLEAR MESSAGE

A confident speaker has a clear and honest message. The message can be defined in one simple sentence and the purpose is crystal clear. Many speeches can be compared to a maze. Lots of different avenues are explored but many in the audience end up completely lost. When the key message is stated clearly and wrapped in honesty without making any apologies this is a tell tale sign the speaker is confident.

3. MAKES THE SPEAKING SPACE HOME

A confident speaker has the ability to make the speaking space home. Many speakers run on and off the stage at such lightning speed indicating that they don’t want to be there. When a speaker views the speaking space as home – a friendly, familiar and comfortable space, they enjoy themselves and exude confidence.

4. TAKES CENTRE STAGE

A confident speaker takes centre stage never lurking in shadows. Many speakers waste the opportunity to engage with their audience by trying to play hide and seek – hiding at the sides or at the back of stage. Taking centre stage without shying away is clear sign of confidence in a speaker.

5. HAS A STRONG FRAME

A confident speaker is someone who stands tall, shoulders back, with a strong frame that would make any chiropractor proud! Unfortunately, many speakers, regardless of the physical condition of their back, stand on the stage slumped over, rounded shoulders, leaning towards the floor. Whilst many speakers shrink back and appear closed, a confident speaker stands tall and open.

6. ENGAGING SMILE AND EYES

A confident speaker is comfortable enough to smile at the audience and make direct eye contact. Many speakers often have depressive facial expressions and spend their stage time observing the cracks in the ceiling or the intricate pattern on the floor tiles. A speaker that can light up the room with a smile and has engaging eye contact comes across as confident!

7. A STRONG VOICE

A confident speaker makes it their mission to ensure their message is heard. A strong voice does not have to mean a loud booming voice but it does mean that you can be heard. The strength comes from the belief and heart behind the message and not volume alone. A weak voice often sounds like a never ending mumble or as irritating as a dripping tap. A strong voice has conviction, is engaging and energetic. This is the sound of a confident speaker.