Letʼs talk about public speaking. I know it can feel a bit scary sometimes, right? But guess what? It's actually pretty simple!

Look at the girl in the picture above, letʼs call her Ella. She is standing tall with a bright smile, and her hands are freely used as she communicates. What expression does Ella give? Confidence, thatʼs right.

Whether youʼre sharing a story at recess, presenting something cool in class, or just answering a question in front of your friends, public speaking is all about letting your voice shine. The coolest part is you can totally learn how to do it! With some practice, you can become really good at it.

Like they say, practice until it becomes a part of you like the same way you practiced walking as a toddler. You fell at your first few attempts until your legs could hold up your weight, so is public speaking. Itʼs a muscle you develop.

What Is Public Speaking?

Public speaking is just a fancy way of saying you're talking to a group of people, big or small, and sharing something thatʼs important to you.

This could be:

1. Giving a speech
2. Explaining your ideas in class
3. Acting in a play
4. Even sharing your thoughts during a group project. When you speak with confidence, people listen.

The rule is to make listening easy. When you speak loud and clear, people donʼt have to lean in or ask, “What did you say?ˮ to hear you. The conversation becomes light and easy-going.

How to Speak with Confidence

Here are some simple tips to become a more confident speaker:

Prepare.

Know what you want to say. You can even make a quick outline or practice it in front of a mirror.

Practice out loud.

Speaking out loud helps you get used to hearing your own voice. It makes you feel more confident. You will know exactly what you sound like and improve more of getting your voice to your goal.

Breathe.

Take a big, deep breath before you start. Itʼs like giving your nerves a little chill pill.

Stand tall and smile.

Good posture and a smile can make you look super confident, even if you feel a bit shaky inside.

Look at your audience.

Make eye contact with your friends or classmates. It helps you feel connected and supported.

Your voice has energy so if you want people to feel calm, speak calmly. If you want people to feel happy and energized around, you then train your voice to do just that.

Try This Challenge

This week, pick one small moment to try public speaking. Maybe itʼs;

1. Reading a sentence aloud in class
2. Asking a question in a group
3. Telling a story at lunch

Once you do it, give yourself a high five! Youʼre building your confidence, one step at a time. The goal is to be consistent.

Final Thought

Remember, everyone gets a little nervous sometimes, even the adults. The more you practice speaking up, the easier it gets, and you donʼt have to be perfect, just be brave!

Because your voice matters. You have to be intentional to improve. Nothing great comes too easily.

If you want to become a confident speaker, learn the secrets of great communicators, and grow your public speaking skills, then donʼt miss our upcoming blog on how to develop public speaking.