5 Tips to Gain Confidence in Public Speaking

Did you think Steve Jobs always delivered presentations with such ease? Even iconic speakers had to develop their skills through practice and training.

Public speaking consistently ranks among people's greatest fears, often surpassing even the fear of death. Yet mastering this skill can transform your career, relationships, and personal growth.

Here are five powerful strategies to build your confidence in public speaking and become a compelling speaker.

Take Acting and Improv Classes

Full disclosure: we are biased on this point.

This might sound unconventional, but acting classes are perhaps the most underrated and the most efficient tool for developing public speaking skills.

Improv classes teaches you to inhabit a role fully, manage stage fright, and project your voice with authority. You learn to use your body as an instrument, making gestures purposeful rather than nervous.

Most importantly, acting classes create a safe environment to fail, experiment, and discover your authentic presence. The techniques actors use like breath control, emotional regulation, and connecting with an audience translate directly to public speaking.

When you've performed Shakespeare in front of strangers, delivering a business presentation suddenly feels much less intimidating!

Start Small and Build Gradually

Confidence grows through incremental success, not by throwing yourself into the deep end. Begin by speaking in low-stakes environments: share an opinion in a small meeting, give a toast at a family dinner, or present to a supportive group of colleagues.

Each small victory builds neural pathways that associate speaking with positive outcomes.

Master Your Material

Nothing breeds confidence like thorough preparation. Know your subject inside and out, anticipating potential questions and challenges. However, avoid memorizing speeches word-for-word, which can make you sound robotic and leave you vulnerable if you lose your place.

Reframe Nervous Energy

That racing heartbeat and sweaty palms aren't signs of weakness, they're your body preparing for peak performance. Research shows that reinterpreting anxiety as excitement improves performance significantly.

Use physical techniques too: power poses, deep breathing exercices, and progressive muscle relaxation can calm your nervous system while maintaining alertness.

Focus on Your Message, Not Yourself

Paradoxically, confidence grows when you stop obsessing about how you appear. Shift focus from "What do they think of me?" to "How can I serve this audience?"

Public speaking confidence isn't innate, it's built through practice, preparation, and perspective. Embrace these strategies, experiment acting classes with Act Attack, and watch your fear transform into your greatest professional asset!