5 easy steps to boost your speaking skills without a coach or a course

Recently, I had a conversation with a client who has just begun her journey into public speaking. Despite being an undeniable expert in her field, she still feels uncomfortable speaking in public. Her initial instinct was to sign up for a public speaking course to boost her confidence.

If you're in a similar situation, you're not alone. We often default to additional training when we want to start something new. However, before you invest in a course or coach, consider these five steps that can significantly improve your speaking skills:

1.??? Make sure you actually enjoy speaking

This might seem obvious, but it's often overlooked. When helping clients choose visibility platforms, I always start with their preferred communication method. If you enjoy writing more than speaking, focus on that instead. Select platforms that come naturally to you; otherwise, you're just adding unnecessary friction to the process.

2.??? Start with what you know

I am always amazed at how much we underestimate the wealth of knowledge we possess. This is particularly true of women.

To reduce friction, begin with topics you're already familiar with. Trust that you know more than you think you do. This approach works by tapping into the confidence you already have on a subject and makes the speaking process feel more natural.

3.??? Practice, Practice, Practice

This is the golden rule of public speaking - and pretty much any skill. The only way to improve is through repetition. Seek out speaking opportunities wherever you can:

• Reach out to colleges and universities
• Connect with professional associations
• Engage with your company's Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
• Create your own speaking events

These experiences will tell you so much about your speaking style, audience reactions, audience fit, and what helps you feel at ease.

4.??? Identify what you need to soothe your nerves

While pre-talk jitters never completely disappear, you can learn to manage them effectively. I will often experience trembling hands before going on stage. However, I know this feeling subsides within minutes of starting. My strategy includes:

• Processing my nervousness publicly (I tell people I'm nervous)
• Meeting audience members beforehand to increase my connection with the audience

Experiment to find what works best for you.

5.??? Say yes to every opportunity (Initially)

Speaking is a momentum business. Engagements often lead to more opportunities. When you're starting out, say yes to everything. I know this advice goes against the grain. You will hear coaches tell you to niche down immediately.

However, while it is important to be clear about your audience, when starting out it is more important to:

• Build your speaking skills
• Gain experience in different settings
• Collect recommendations and testimonials
• Gain clarity on what you enjoy and who is a fit for your message

As you become established, you can be more selective based on your preferences and goals.

Remember, your knowledge could potentially change someone's life. You don't need a coach to start; you need to put in the reps. Each speaking engagement, regardless of size or perceived importance, is a chance to refine your skills and boost your confidence.

So, before you sign up for that public speaking course, give these strategies a try. You might be surprised at how quickly you can improve with practice and persistence.