Do you panic at the thought of public speaking?
Many people wish we could speak with more confidence, but think we don’t have the time to improve.
Did you know that you don’t need hours of practice each day to be a confident speaker?
In this blog, we’ll explore 7 simple habits that take less than 15 minutes daily.
These small steps can make a big difference in your speaking confidence over time.
1. Practise Power Posing
Start your day with a confidence boost by striking a power pose for just two minutes.
Stand tall with your feet apart and hands on your hips, like a superhero.
You may also try raising your arms in a V-shape as if celebrating a victory.
This simple act can increase your confidence hormones and reduce stress hormones.
Do this before an important meeting or presentation to feel more self-assured.
You can even do it in a bathroom stall if you need privacy.
Remember, your body language doesn’t just reflect your mood because it can actually shape it.
2. Record Your Voice
Use your smartphone to record yourself speaking for 3-5 minutes each day.
Talk about your day, your thoughts, or even read aloud from a book.
Then, listen back.
This habit helps you become more comfortable with the sound of your own voice and identify areas for improvement.
Pay attention to your pace, tone, and clarity.
Are you speaking too fast? Do you use filler words like “um” or “like” too often?
Over time, you’ll naturally start to adjust these habits.
Plus, hearing your own progress can be a great confidence booster.
3. Learn One New Word Daily
Expand your vocabulary by learning one new word each day.
Use a word-of-the-day app or website, or simply flip through a dictionary.
Try to use the word in a sentence, both written and spoken.
This habit not only improves your language skills but also boosts your confidence in expressing yourself.
For example, if you learn the word “eloquent,” you might say, “I admire her eloquent way of explaining complex topics.”
Building a rich vocabulary gives you more tools to articulate your thoughts clearly and persuasively.
4. Try Tongue Twisters
Spend 5 minutes each day practising tongue twisters.
This fun exercise improves your articulation and helps you speak more clearly.
Start with simple ones like “She sells seashells by the seashore” and work your way up to more challenging ones.
Try saying them at different speeds.
This improves your diction and it’s also a great way to warm up your voice before speaking engagements.
Plus, mastering difficult phrases can give you a sense of accomplishment and boost your speaking confidence.
5. Breathe Mindfully
Take 5 minutes each day to practice deep, mindful breathing.
Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and focus on your breath.
Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of four, hold for two, then exhale through your mouth for a count of six.
This practice calms your nerves and helps control your breathing when speaking.
It’s particularly useful right before a presentation or important conversation.
Make this a daily habit so you’ll find it easier to centre yourself quickly when you’re feeling nervous about speaking.
6. Mirror Talk
Spend 5 minutes talking to yourself in the mirror each day.
This might feel awkward at first, but it’s a powerful way to improve your eye contact and facial expressions.
Practise introducing yourself, explaining a concept, or even telling a joke.
Pay attention to your body language and try to look engaged and confident.
You can also use this time to practice smiling while you speak, which can make you sound more approachable and confident.
Over time, you’ll become more comfortable seeing yourself speak, which translates to more confidence when speaking to others.
7. Summarise Your Day
Before bed, take 5 minutes to verbally summarise your day as if you’re telling a friend.
Focus on speaking clearly and organising your thoughts coherently.
This exercise improves your ability to structure information and speak spontaneously.
It also helps you practice finding the most important or interesting parts of a story, a crucial skill for engaging in public speaking.
You might say, “Today was productive. I had a breakthrough on my project at work, enjoyed lunch with a colleague, and learned a new dinner recipe.”
Consistency is Needed to Forming the Right Habits
Consistency is key when building any new habit, including speaking confidence.
These 7 quick exercises might seem small, but when done regularly, they can significantly improve your speaking abilities.
Remember, becoming a confident speaker doesn’t happen overnight.
It’s a commitment of small, daily steps.
So, which of these habits will you start with today?
