Eight ways to feel confident in speaking to people

culled from:direct.gov.u

Making conversation with strangers and speaking in public takes confidence and good interpersonal skills. It is very common to lack confidence in these areas. However, with practice and a positive outlook, you can gain confidence in speaking to people.

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1. Don't put too much pressure on yourself

When speaking in public it is common to feel like everyone is judging every word. But they're probably not. Remember the audience hears people speaking in public all the time - you're not doing anything unusual. It might help to look at the back of the room, not at the faces looking at you. Remember you won't look as nervous as you feel.

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2. Know your subject

If you do your research you'll be confident in what you're talking about. Rehearse your presentation several times beforehand so you know what you're going to say, how and when.

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3. Stay calm and use positive body language

Breathe deeply, take your time and talk slowly and calmly. Use positive body language - stand up straight and project your voice.

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4. Use props such as slides and charts

This makes your presentation more interesting, and gets the eyes of the audience away from you for a while.

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5. Choose your conversation topics wisely

Start conversations on topics everyone can talk about such as family, work, leisure time, travel and the weather. Don't talk about emotive topics such as politics, religion or football.

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6. Make your body language work for you

Up to 80 per cent of first impressions are formed by body language, so make it count. Show you're interested in what people say by smiling, facing the person, and making eye contact. If you lean forward and nod, it will show that you are listening. You can use hand gestures to emphasise your point.

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7. Ask questions - let others do the running

Take the pressure off yourself by making other people do the talking. Show you are a good listener, and let people talk about themselves.

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8. Be upbeat and positive

Be enthusiastic about what you're saying - don’t mumble or ramble. Be clear and positive, without using "kind of" or "sort of" or "a bit", and don't apologise for what you're saying. You can also search our course directory for courses to improve your public speaking and interpersonal skills. Use the keywords public speaking, presentation skills and interpersonal skills.