Making conversation with strangers and speaking in public take confidence and good interpersonal skills. It's very common to lack confidence in these areas - however, with practice and a positive outlook you can gain confidence in speaking to people.
1. Don't put too much pressure on yourself
When speaking in public it's common to feel like everyone's analysing everything you say. But they're probably not! Remember the audience hears people speaking in public all the time - you're not doing anything unusual so they won't be scrutinising you. It might help to look at the back of the room, not at the faces looking at you. Also bear in mind that you won't look as nervous as you feel.
2. Know your subject
If you do your research you'll be confident in what you're talking about. Rehearse your presentation several times beforehand so you know what you're going to say and when.
3. Stay calm and use positive body language
Breathe deeply, take your time and talk slowly and calmly. Use positive body language - stand up straight and project your voice.
4. Use props such as slides and charts
This makes your presentation more interesting, and gets the audience's eyes off you for a while!
5. Choose your conversation topics wisely
Start conversations on topics everyone can talk about such as family, work, leisure time, travel and the weather. Don't talk about emotive topics like politics, religion or football.
6. Make your body language work for you
Up to 80 per cent of first impressions are formed by body language, so make it count. Show you're interested in what people say by smiling, facing the person, making eye contact, leaning forwards, nodding and generally appearing attentive. You can use hand gestures to emphasise your point and show you're enthusiastic about what you're talking about.
7. Ask questions - let others do the running
Take the pressure off yourself by making other people do the talking - everyone likes a good listener, and people do like talking about themselves!
8. Be upbeat and positive
Be enthusiastic and committed about what you're saying - avoid mumbling or rambling, playing down everything you say by saying "kind of" or "sort of" or "a bit", and don't apologise for what you're saying.
You can also search our database for courses to improve your public speaking and interpersonal skills. Use the keywords public speaking, presentation skills and interpersonal skills.
Where can I get help and advice?
Careers Advice Service Careers Coaches can advise you on how to improve your self-confidence.
You can call free on 0800 100 900 or you can:
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