Focus on the positive aspects about yourself and what you do well. Are you good at making people laugh? Perhaps you could use humor in your presentation to lighten the mood. Quickly name as many positive qualities that you bring to the table as you can think of. Some examples might be: passion about the subject matter, level of education, ability to make people laugh, honesty, and persuasiveness.
Use positive cues when feeling less confident such as, “I can do this! I am strong. Go!”[5] X Research source
Ask friend, family member, or coworker to give you a pep talk. Ask them to tell you what you are good at and that everything will be okay (give reassurance). Be careful not to ask for help too much on tasks you can do on your own because this can increase dependence and reduce self-confidence. Ask for validation, but continue to be self-reliant.
Try an imagery technique where you focus on achieving confidence. Visualize yourself as completely self-confident and accomplishing your goal. What are you doing? What Is going on around you? What does it feel like? Who is there? What you are thinking about?
Think about the purpose of the activity you are doing. Ask yourself, “What do I want to get out of this?” Set specific goals for what you are about to do. Focus on achieving those goals instead of thinking about what might go wrong.
Instead of focusing on the negative, focus on what you do want to happen – to speak clearly and get your message across. Think thoughts such as, “I’m going to go in there and be confident, calm, collected, and get my message out. "
If you don’t have someone readily available in person, you can call a friend to discuss the situation with.
Stand up straight and tall. Posture is an important nonverbal communication in terms of wanting to appear confident. Slouching and slumping over are signs of insecurity or depressed mood. Smile and Laugh. This shows that you are comfortable and in a positive mood. It can help to set your audience at ease.
Say hello to people before your presentation. Ask them about their day, and make small talk. Try to avoid discussing your presentation too much because this could increase your nervousness. Simply focus on the conversation you are having with the person.
Say to yourself, “It’s okay to feel nervous. This is a natural emotional and is appropriate for this situation. ”
Write down 5 things you love about yourself and read them aloud. Also try saying to yourself, “I love my self and I will never forget it. ” Accept who you are and what issues you have such as your difficulty with confidence. [11] X Research source
If you are worried about speaking in front of people, the more you practice it the less nervous you will be. Try practicing your speech in front of your family or friends before you do it in front of your designated audience; this can help you become more self-confident. Make sure you get feedback from your loved ones on your presentation so you can fix any issues before your big day! To help calm your nerves, take a deep breath in for 4 counts, breathe out for 4 counts, and then hold it at the bottom for 4 counts. Repeat this cycle 4 times. Doing deep breathing will help you feel more relaxed and centered. [12] X Expert Source Leah MorrisLife Coach Expert Interview. 19 June 2020.
Look at setbacks as opportunities to learn or to improve yourself. [13] X Research source This will increase your self-confidence in the long-term because you will have a better outlook in general about possible mistakes.
