Confidence. Is there a magic potion set?

If anyone has ever told you to 'just be confident' before a big presentation, they probably meant well. But that advice is about as useful as telling someone to 'just be taller.'

If confidence were something you could simply flick on like a light switch, we’d all be world-class speakers by now. No nerves. No stumbles. No panic spirals the night before.

But we know it doesn’t work like that. There's no magic potion set for it.

Saying 'Be confident' skips the 'how.' It overlooks the work you need to do that leads to confidence.

And here’s the thing.

Confidence is a symptom.

It’s the natural result of doing the right things consistently. And if you want to improve your public speaking, here are the five things to focus on instead.

1. Clarity

First, focus on being clear. With your slides, your message, your voice and your delivery. 

2. Relatability

People connect with real humans who speak their language. Ditch the jargon. Tell stories. Reference real experiences your audience understands.

3. Getting real feedback

One of the most dangerous things in public speaking is practising in a vacuum. Or not practising at all. But without feedback, you’re guessing. So ask a colleague. Record yourself. Take notes. 

Because once you’ve had pre-presentation feedback you’ll have found out where the flaws are, and can present with greater surety that you’re hitting the right notes.

4. Practising

This one’s obvious. But you’d be amazed how many people hope they’ll magically nail it without rehearsal.

Confidence comes from repetition. From ironing out the rough bits. From knowing you’ve already done the hard work before stepping on stage.

Rehearse until it feels natural.

5. Being authentic

You don’t need to channel Barack Obama or any other public speaking icon.

You just need to be you. But a clear, relatable, practised version.

Trying to perform with an unnatural business persona creates pressure. Being yourself is easier to sustain and infinitely more believable.


Final thoughts

The next time someone says 'Just be confident,' you’ve got a better answer.

Confidence isn’t where you start. It’s where you arrive. Once you’ve nailed clarity, relatability, feedback, practise, and authenticity.

Do that, and you won’t need to act confident.

You’ll simply be it.


Hate public speaking? Let’s fix that.

If you want to start your journey to banish your fear of public speaking and presenting, improve your confidence, and boost your career prospects, then check out the online masterclass here at Better Public Speaking.