How do you boost your confidence and performance?

1 Know your audience

One of the best ways to prepare for any speaking engagement is to know your audience. Who are they? What are their needs, goals, and challenges? What do they expect from you? How can you connect with them and add value to their lives? By doing some research and analysis, you can tailor your content, tone, and style to suit your audience. You can also anticipate their questions, objections, and feedback, and plan how to address them effectively. Knowing your audience will help you build rapport, credibility, and trust with them.

2 Practice your speech

Another essential step to boost your confidence and performance is to practice your speech. Don't rely on memorizing your script word for word, as this can make you sound robotic and unnatural. Instead, focus on the key points, transitions, and stories that you want to convey. Use notes, cards, or slides as prompts, but don't read from them. Practice in front of a mirror, a camera, or a friend, and get feedback on your delivery, body language, and voice. Practice until you feel comfortable and confident with your material.

3 Visualize your success

A powerful technique to overcome stage fright and nerves is to visualize your success. Before you go on stage, close your eyes and imagine yourself giving a great speech. See yourself speaking with confidence, enthusiasm, and passion. Hear yourself using a clear, strong, and expressive voice. Feel yourself engaging with your audience, making eye contact, and using gestures. Visualize your audience listening attentively, nodding, smiling, and applauding. By visualizing your success, you can create a positive mental image that will boost your self-esteem and motivation.

4 Breathe deeply

One of the simplest and most effective ways to calm your nerves and improve your performance is to breathe deeply. Breathing deeply can lower your heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels, which are associated with stress and anxiety. It can also increase your oxygen intake, which can enhance your brain function, memory, and concentration. To breathe deeply, inhale through your nose for four seconds, hold for two seconds, and exhale through your mouth for six seconds. Repeat this cycle several times before and during your speech.

5 Enjoy the moment

Finally, one of the most important tips to boost your confidence and performance is to enjoy the moment. Don't let your fear of failure, rejection, or criticism stop you from sharing your message with passion and purpose. Remember why you are speaking, what you want to achieve, and how you can help your audience. Focus on the positive aspects of your speech, such as the opportunity to inspire, educate, or entertain others. Smile, have fun, and be yourself. By enjoying the moment, you can create a positive and memorable experience for yourself and your audience.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?