Speech

Chapter 2: Building Confidence

Overview

Confidence is the feeling that one is capable of handling a situation successfully. In oral communication, confidence built on a foundation of solid values lends a sense of stability, which helps make the speaker’s message seem believable. No one is born with confidence. Confidence must be nurtured through ongoing practice and preparation, including learning from failures.

Confidence can be undermined by stage fright, the fear of speaking in public. Surveys show that up to 90 percent of Americans feel very uncomfortable about any form of public speaking.

How can you overcome stage fright? The first step is to have an accurate perception of your audience, of your speech, and of yourself. Remember that your audience does not see everything you do wrong, that your speech is a worthwhile sharing of ideas and information, and that you have a great deal to offer.

This chapter also discusses ten components that can help build self-confidence: content, organization, notes, friendliness, impression, dedication, empathy, newness, conviction, and enthusiasm. (The initial letters of the ten words together spell confidence.)