All successful presentations are effective due in part to the presenter’s confidence level. Not everyone has the same method for gaining confidence. While it comes more naturally to some than others, belief in oneself is easily detectable to a keen observer.
Confident presenters exude credibility, experience, and leadership. These things all help to gain an audience member’s trust in both the presenter and their content. Surprisingly, learning to be confident doesn’t have to be a chore. Here are three tips for gaining confidence that we think you may find easier than you imagined.
Practice positivity
Positivity may seem like a cliche answer to self doubt. However, how many of us have actually made a conscious effort to build a positive mindset in our everyday lives? I mean, a real, solid, intentional effort? An uncomfortable effort? Gaining confidence becomes easier when you strive to center yourself around positivity instead of perfection. Push your boundaries and start challenging yourself to strive for excellence–but don’t beat yourself up for not being perfect.
Try tactics like:
- Putting sticky notes around your home and office with positive mantras
- Asking friends to point out your pattern if you slip into negativity
Remember: Believing in yourself is the most important step toward true confidence
Redefine “Power Suit”
Being happy and confident go hand in hand. As it happens, gaining confidence could be as easy as a wardrobe overhaul. How does what you’re wearing affect how you feel about yourself? Do you ever see others on stage and feel inferior? Well, what are they wearing? Why is it that their outfit works for their messaging? Probably because they’ve intentionally crafted their wardrobe to create a more authentic visual representation of themselves. Chances are you’ve tried on a look that worked for someone else but just isn’t “you.” That’s ok! Look past the wardrobe and lean into authenticity. Your personal style shouldn’t be what everyone else is wearing, after all.
Try things like:
- Wearing clothes that bring you joy
- Choosing flattering outfits for an extra boost
- Dressing appropriately for the occasion
Have Fun
Stop caring so much about what others think! It’s likely you’re on stage because you are passionate and excited about what you’re presenting. Allowing that to shine through is the most vital piece of your messaging. Audiences connect with presenters that are having fun because that energy is contagious. If you’re nervous about the audience picking up on your nerves, you’re creating a vicious cycle of never-ending nerves! Gaining confidence isn’t throwing those nerves out the window–its acknowledging them and having fun anyway. Invite your audience into your story and help them have fun, too!
Try to:
- Live passionately
- Relax
- Enjoy simple things
Finally, don’t stress about becoming a more confident leader. The more you stress, the more elusive confidence will be. Focusing on being positive and happy allows confidence to find its way into your delivery. If you find any of these tips particularly inspiring, get started devising your own personal strategy for gaining confidence today! If there are any tips don’t see yourself following, toss them out and focus on what will work for you.
Feeling more confident already? Let’s boost that confidence by creating a beautiful backdrop for your next talk. At Ethos3, we truly believe that you are the star of the show, and aim to make sure your deck reflects that sentiment. Let’s work together to gain momentum and help you give the best talk of your life. Reach out today for a free quote!
