Here's how you can project confidence during public speaking in public relations.

Know Your sh*t - if you're an expert, you'll speak with ease Practice - it doesn't hurt to rehearse. Most live shows prepare in order to polish Stand tall - there's no need to be a giant but good posture conveys authority Delivery - speak slowly (I'm not good at this) and vary your tone to spice it up for your audience. DON'T SHOUT. Use pregnant pauses for a touch of drama Engage - make regular eye contact with your audience and gesture towards them for key points. Ask your audience questions (Pro tip: joke that you'll select a victim from the crowd if no one volunteers a question). Be positive - people are here to hear you. Believe in your words. You'll sound great while eliminating any nerves AND HAVE FUN!!

Absolutely, Knowing your topic is the first step in facing your public speaking fears. The more you know about the subject and the more personal experience you have, the greater your authority to speak and write about it. It is what we call having maturity and as you build your wealth of knowledge and experience, the whole idea of talking about it to others becomes less daunting.

To project confidence during public speaking, understanding your topic deeply is essential. Steve Jobs exemplified this through his meticulously rehearsed Apple product launches, where his thorough knowledge allowed him to speak with authority. Similarly, Elon Musk, despite his unconventional style, speaks confidently on complex subjects like space travel and electric vehicles, due to his deep understanding of SpaceX and Tesla technologies. Both examples show that preparation and mastery of the material are key to projecting confidence and authority.

To project confidence in public speaking, focus on clear messaging and maintain steady eye contact. Practice beforehand to minimize nerves. Use pauses for emphasis and avoid filler words. Always tailor your message to the audience. Confidence grows with preparation. "Success is where preparation and opportunity meet." – Bobby Unser

First and foremost, it’s essential to thoroughly understand the topic you're presenting. As a former TV reporter, I regularly simplified complex concepts into everyday language so everyone could follow. While corporate jargon might seem impressive, research shows it often leads to confusion and weakens clarity. By speaking in clear, relatable terms, you'll not only appear more confident but also ensure your audience stays engaged and grasps the core message of your presentation.

Even the most seasoned public speaker needs practice to be effective. Give a mock presentation of your speech in advance, so you can determine if you’ve organized the information cohesively and clearly. It may help to talk out loud to an imaginary audience or in front of a mirror, but it’s even more effective to practice with the help of a supportive co-worker, friend, or family member as an audience.

To project confidence in public speaking within public relations, focus on preparation, body language, and audience engagement. I think you should thoroughly research your topic and anticipate potential questions. Maintain eye contact, stand tall, and use gestures to emphasize points. Storytelling fosters connection—consider the example of Singapore Airlines' CEO, Goh Choon Phong, who confidently communicated the company’s sustainability strategy. He combined facts with real-life impacts, using concise language and a calm, authoritative tone, showing how clear messaging, supported by strong delivery, builds trust and credibility in PR.

Connecting with an audience can be easier when you add your own personality or flair. Let your personality shine through as you convey your message, whether you are a naturally funny or empathetic person. Be authentic and appropriate, use humor when it can enhance your work, rather than detract from it. If you use a PowerPoint presentation while speaking, make sure you're not reading from it word for word but using images or videos to bring your presentation to life. You may want to add your contact information at the end of the presentation so people can follow up with you afterward.

Making eye contact with your audience can actually help you feel more at ease because you'll get a sense of whether they understand what you're saying or need to clarify further. Practicing your speech or presentation beforehand can help you feel more comfortable making eye contact. As they say, much of effective communication relies on body language. Moving your gaze around the room can help your audience feel more engaged, which in turn will make you feel more confident.

One thing many people don’t realize is that speaking with your hands actually builds trust with your audience. When experts studied the top TED talks, they found the only thing they had in common was speaking with their hands and using open body language.