3 Ways To Build Your Confidence For Public Speaking

3 Ways To Build Your Confidence For Public Speaking

Many people often mistakenly think confidence is a gift given at birth. They assume that people either have confidence or don’t. Their belief is exposed when they say things like, I’m not a confident person.

Thankfully, confidence is not something you have or don’t have; it is a quality that can be cultivated. Scientists studying neural plasticity confirm that we can rewire our brains in ways that affect our thoughts and behavior at any age, which means that building self-confidence is what psychologists called volitional, or by choice. If you would like to improve your self-confidence, follow the tips below and watch your self-esteem improve. 

1. Dress For Success

superhero

The clothes you wear play a significant role in your self-confidence. A study by Professor Karen J. Pine proved that clothing impacts the thoughts and moods of the wearer, and as a result increases confidence. In addition, she discovered that clothing can make people feel physically stronger and more likeable.

The study demonstrated that having a strong connection to clothing can lead to improve cognitive processes, a phenomenon known as enclothed cognition. 

The next time you need a boost of self-confidence, such as before you take the stage for a presentation, select clothing that makes you feel good. For example, if you considered wearing your black suit because you think it more appropriate for the occasion, however you feel your best when you wear your blue suit, opt for the blue suit, especially if there is not a dress code for the occasion.

In addition, take the time to lightly spritz yourself with cologne or perfume before leaving the house. Scientists have discovered a link between self-confidence and olfactory cues (smell). 

According to Inc.com, a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Sciences found that men who used cologne exhibited an increase in both self-confidence and self-perceived attractiveness.

The study states: This effect highlights the flexible nature of self-esteem to respond to rapid changes in one’s own physical traits through the use of artificial cosmetic products. An individual’s personal odour and the perfume product chosen may thus influence both self-perception and impressions formed by others.

2. Sweat More

businessmen-riding-bicycle

Exercising regularly is another proven way to increase your self-confidence. 

According to The Mayo Clinic, physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. You may also feel better about your appearance and yourself when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem.

So how much exercise do you need to boost your mood? Harvard Medical Schools suggests daily, moderate exercise such as walking for a minimum of 30 to 40 minutes, or vigorous, daily exercise for 15 to 20 minutes. If you prefer to set fitness goals based on distance rather than time, aim to walk at least two miles a day. You should also try to add a little strength training and stretching at least two to three times a week.

In addition, scientists from Oklahoma State University found that running at a moderate pace for 10 to 60 minutes several times a week can result in robust mental health, even in stressful situations.

While exercising for extended periods of time is the ideal, you can improve your mental state by changing your hormonal chemistry in only two minutes. If you have a few minutes in between meetings or before a presentation, don’t head to your desk to answer emails; instead find a private space where you can skip, jump, or practice power posing. These types of activities can lower your cortisol and raise your adrenaline in just a few minutes.  

If you have the option to exercise outdoors, bypass the treadmill and instead hit the road or trail, or head to the park. One study suggests the self confidence boost is greatest when you take your workout outdoors.

Not only can exercise directly lead to an improved overall mental state, exercise can also help you perform better at work and during presentations. The better you perform, the more your confidence will increase as a result of your proven competence. For example, research proves exercise can help strengthen your memory, enhance creativity, and lower stress. 

3. Celebrate Shortcomings

To conclude my suggestions for improving your self-confidence, I would like to contradict many of the things I have already advised.

The following advice is not meant to replace previous suggestions; it is meant to complement my earlier tips. As we all know, life is all about balance; when you embrace contradictory suggestions, you empower yourself to take a balanced approach to problems.

For example, it is admirable and beneficial if you can completely eliminate the stress and self-doubt that stand in the way of self-confidence, however it is also unrealistic for most people. That is why it is good news that there is value in “shortcomings,” such as stress, self-doubt, and pessimism.

Instead of constantly fighting against your current place in life, find ways to leverage your challenges so they become strengths.

Stress

For example, stress is often considered a bad thing, however researchers have discovered benefits to stress.

According to De-stressing Stress: The Power of Mindsets and the Art of Stressing Mindfully:

In the domain of performance and productivity, stress can lead to pro-activity, increased focus, cognitive aptitude, and boosted memory. The stress response pumps hormones like adrenaline, cortisol, and dopamine throughout the body, fueling the brain and body with blood and oxygen. This response propels us into a state of increased energy, heightened alertness and narrowed focus, which can help meet the demands of any stressor. 

In summary, stress can help you be more proactive, motivated, focused, alert, and energized.

Instead of fretting about your stress level before your big presentation, reframe how you think about your anxiety. Reframing your perspective on your anxiety can be as simple as telling yourself that stress is enhancing. By celebrating the positive effects of stress and telling yourself that stress is beneficial, you can greatly improve your performance as a speaker as well as protect yourself from anxiety-related health issues.

Self-doubt

In addition, self-doubt can also be a good thing. In fact, lower confidence is key to gaining competence, which is the only effective strategy for gaining genuine confidence—confidence that is warranted by one’s actual competence, explains Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, a professor of business psychology at University College London.

In summary, self-doubt can help you be open to the type of new experiences and insights that will help you gain competence, and as a result, increase your confidence.

Pessimism

Lastly, pessimism, specifically defensive pessimism, can help you be more successful, and as a result, more confident.

Julie Norem, psychology professor at Wellesley College and author of The Positive Power Of Negative Thinking, explains defensive pessimism in more detail for The Atlantic:

When people are being defensively pessimistic, they set low expectations, but then they take the next step which is to think through in concrete and vivid ways what exactly might go wrong. What we’ve seen in the research is if they do this in a specific, vivid way, it helps them plan to avoid the disaster. They end up performing better than if they didn’t use the strategy. It helps them direct their anxiety toward productive activity.

In summary, defensive pessimism can help you prepare more effectively for your upcoming presentation, or other stress-inducing situations. As a result of your strategic preparation, you are more likely to succeed, and thus, you are more likely to develop lasting self-confidence.

Conclusion

Before your next presentation, improve your self-confidence by practicing the techniques listed above. And if all else fails, try The Kanye West Self-Confidence Generator.

Additional Resources:

3 Ways To Boost Your Confidence For Presentations

33 Tips to Cure Presentation Anxiety, in 140 characters or less

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