8 habits that instantly make you a more confident speaker, according to psychology

No one likes to think about their first time speaking in front of a group—the shaky hands, the awkward pauses, the feeling like everyone’s staring right through you. It’s nerve-wracking, and not really a pleasant experience.

Whether it was a class presentation or a team meeting, that fear of stumbling over your words can make you want to disappear.

But here’s the good news: confidence in speaking isn’t some elusive trait that only a few are born with. It’s a skill, and like any skill, it can be developed.

Drawing from the insightful world of psychology, this article will introduce you to 8 habits that can instantly make you a more confident speaker.

So, prepare yourself. We’re about to transform the way you communicate and boost your confidence levels. Speaking confidently is no longer a distant dream, but a reality within your reach.

1) Embrace the power of preparation

Confidence in speaking doesn’t happen by chance, it’s built on the solid foundation of preparation.

Psychologists have long observed the direct correlation between preparation and confidence. The more familiar you are with your content, the more secure you feel when delivering it.

Think of a time when you had to give an impromptu speech or answer a question you weren’t prepared for. That feeling of panic and uncertainty is a stark contrast to the sense of control and assurance that comes from being well-prepared.

Famous speakers and influencers aren’t immune to this. They spend hours researching, rehearsing, and refining their speeches. They study their audience, anticipate questions, and prepare thoughtful answers.

This commitment to preparation does more than just make them seem knowledgeable. It makes them confident.

Preparation serves as a form of self-empowerment. It puts you in control and helps build the confidence required to speak effectively.

To boost your speaking confidence, start by embracing the power of preparation. Invest time in understanding your content and audience.

It’s simply a matter of equipping yourself with the tools needed to navigate any speaking situation with grace and conviction.

2) Embrace the power of visualization

The mind is a powerful tool, and it’s at the heart of our self-perception. One of the ways psychology suggests we can boost our confidence in speaking is through visualization.

Visualization is a technique where you mentally rehearse or imagine yourself in a particular situation. It’s a method commonly employed by athletes, performers, and successful entrepreneurs.

The idea is to visualize yourself successfully navigating the situation you’re nervous about – in this case, public speaking.

When you visualize yourself speaking confidently and eloquently before an audience, you’re essentially training your brain to be comfortable with that scenario. Over time, this practice can significantly diminish anxiety and enhance your self-assuredness.

Consider setting aside a few minutes each day to visualize yourself delivering your speech or presentation. Picture the audience engaging with your words, see yourself handling unexpected questions with grace, and imagine the applause at the end.

This practice doesn’t just prepare you for the task at hand but also alters your self-perception. You begin to see yourself as a confident speaker and that, in turn, changes how you perform when it’s time to step onto the stage. 

3) Cultivate mindfulness

In the rush of preparing for a presentation, we overlook a critical component of effective speaking – being present.

Mindfulness, the practice of being fully engaged in the present moment, is a potent tool for enhancing speaking confidence. It enables us to connect more deeply with our message and our audience.

By anchoring ourselves in the present, we can let go of anxieties about the future or past failures. We can focus more on what we wish to convey and less on the fear of how it will be received.

In the words of renowned mindfulness advocate Jon Kabat-Zinn: “The best way to capture moments is to pay attention. This is how we cultivate mindfulness.”

Take a breath, ground yourself in the now, and greet your audience with the confidence that presence brings.

4) Master the art of body language

So let’s say you’re standing in front of an audience, ready to deliver your speech. Your words are well-rehearsed, and your ideas are solid, but you’re standing stiffly, avoiding eye contact, and your hands are shaking.

What message do you think you’re sending to your audience?

Psychology suggests that our non-verbal cues often speak louder than our words. A study from UCLA even indicates that up to 55% of communication comes from body language. This means that mastering the art of body language is crucial for becoming a more confident speaker.

Start by maintaining good posture. Stand tall with your shoulders back and your head held high—it shows confidence and command.

Make regular eye contact with your audience—it helps establish a connection and indicates honesty and openness. Use hand gestures to emphasize your points—but remember not to overdo it.

It’s also important to be aware of negative body language such as crossed arms, pacing, or looking at the floor. These signs can indicate nervousness and can distract your audience from your message.

Finally, don’t forget to smile. A genuine smile can make you appear more approachable and likable, putting both you and your audience at ease.

5) Turn failures into stepping stones

Failure. The word alone can be enough to induce anxiety in even the most seasoned speakers. Yet, it’s an inevitable part of life. We all stumble, we all fall.

But it’s not the failure itself that defines us, it’s how we respond to it.

I’ll tell you this: I’ve failed multiple times in my speaking journey. There were moments when my speech didn’t resonate, when my jokes fell flat when my message got lost in the nervous stammering. But every single one of those failures was a stepping stone to becoming a more confident speaker.

Each failure presents an opportunity for growth and learning. Instead of viewing them as setbacks, we can choose to see them as feedback. They highlight areas where we can improve, they push us out of our comfort zones, and ultimately, they make us better.

Nelson Mandela put it best: “I never lose. I either win or learn.” Every challenge carries seeds of possibility, every stumble offers a chance to rise taller, and every failure teaches resilience.

Don’t fear failure. Embrace it. Learn from it. Let it be the coach that propels you towards becoming a more confident speaker.

6) Embrace vulnerability

Vulnerability is frequently seen as a sign of weakness, especially in public speaking, though in truth, it’s one of the purest forms of courage.

When we open up about our journey, and share our experiences and the lessons we’ve learned, we allow others to connect with us on a deeper level. Vulnerability breaks down walls, fosters trust, and paves the way for authentic communication.

By sharing our fears, our uncertainties, and our struggles, we reveal our common humanity. We speak directly to the hearts of our audience because we’re no longer just a speaker on a stage – we’re a fellow traveler in the journey of life.

Of course, there’s a balance to be found. It’s not oversharing or turning your speech into a therapy session. It’s being willing to show your human side, to acknowledge that you too have faced challenges and continue to learn and grow.

7) Practice active listening

A commonly overlooked aspect of confident speaking is active listening. Many focus solely on what to say and how to say it, forgetting that communication flows both ways.

Being a confident speaker isn’t just about delivering a polished speech; it’s about engaging with your audience and responding to their cues.

Active listening means paying attention to audience reactions, understanding their responses, and adjusting your message as needed. It turns your speech into a dialogue rather than a one-way monologue.

This approach makes you a more dynamic speaker and strengthens your connection with listeners.

To practice active listening, observe your audience closely as you speak. Take note of their body language, facial expressions, and overall engagement. Use these signals to adjust your pace, tone, and content.

Confident speaking isn’t just delivering your message clearly; it’s making sure it truly resonates. That begins with understanding your audience—and that starts with listening.

8) Focus on the message, not the medium

In the journey toward becoming a more confident speaker, it’s common to focus on the technical aspects—pitch, pace, and body language. While these details are important, they aren’t the essence of public speaking.

At its core, public speaking revolves around delivering a message. It means providing value to your audience, initiating a dialogue, or inspiring change. When you concentrate on this purpose, personal anxieties and insecurities begin to fade into the background.

Your audience isn’t there to judge your speaking skills. They are there to hear your message.

And if your message is sincere, meaningful, and delivered with authenticity, your audience will appreciate it regardless of any stumbles or fumbles.

Shifting focus from the mechanics to the message aligns with the belief in the transformative power of creativity and innovation. It’s about using your voice to foster positive change and inspire others—a pursuit far more fulfilling than any applause or recognition.

Above all, the secret to speaking confidently is to remember this: The ultimate goal is not perfection but authenticity.

It’s about forming a real connection with your audience and sharing your insights, passion, and vulnerabilities in a way that resonates on a human level.