What do you do if your public speaking skills lack assertiveness and confidence?

1 Identify your strengths and weaknesses

The first step to improving your public speaking skills is to assess your current level of performance and identify your areas of improvement. You can do this by recording yourself giving a speech, asking for feedback from others, or using a self-evaluation tool. Some common aspects to consider are your voice, body language, eye contact, content, structure, and delivery. By knowing your strengths and weaknesses, you can focus on enhancing your skills and overcoming your challenges.

2 Set realistic and specific goals

The next step is to set realistic and specific goals for your public speaking improvement. For example, instead of saying "I want to be more confident", you can say "I want to speak louder, use more gestures, and avoid filler words". By setting specific goals, you can measure your progress and track your achievements. You can also break down your goals into smaller and manageable steps, such as practicing one skill at a time or speaking for shorter durations.

3 Prepare and practice

One of the best ways to improve your public speaking skills and boost your assertiveness and confidence is to prepare and practice your speech. Preparation involves researching your topic, audience, and purpose, as well as crafting a clear and coherent message. Practice involves rehearsing your speech multiple times, preferably in front of a mirror, a camera, or a friend. By preparing and practicing, you can reduce your anxiety, improve your fluency, and refine your delivery.

4 Adopt a positive mindset

Another tip to improve your public speaking skills and boost your assertiveness and confidence is to adopt a positive mindset. This means replacing negative thoughts and beliefs with positive ones, such as "I can do this", "I have something valuable to say", and "I can handle any challenge". A positive mindset can help you overcome your fear, increase your self-esteem, and motivate you to perform better. You can also use affirmations, visualization, and breathing techniques to enhance your positive mindset.

5 Learn from feedback and experience

The final tip to improve your public speaking skills and boost your assertiveness and confidence is to learn from feedback and experience. Feedback is essential for identifying your strengths and areas of improvement, as well as for receiving praise and encouragement. You can seek feedback from your peers, mentors, or coaches, or use online tools or apps. Experience is also crucial for developing your skills and confidence, as it exposes you to different situations and challenges. You can gain experience by joining a public speaking club, attending workshops, or volunteering for opportunities.