Scared to Speak? 7 Simple Ways to Show up Confidently in Your Business

Stand out by mastering these essential public speaking tips

Photo by Matthew Osborn on Unsplash

Imagine standing in front of a crowd, all eyes on you. The audience is silently waiting to hear what you have to say.

Whether that scenario pumps you up or freaks you out, in today’s world where everyone is talking at once, this kind of undivided attention is a gift to any entrepreneur or business looking to stand out.

In today’s world, it’s not enough to be good at what you do.

For every Brené Brown, Gary Vaynerchuk, Stacy Abrams, and all those leaders with millions of fans, there are thousands of equally talented people who remain virtually unknown.

So what makes these people the authorities we know and trust?

Speaking.

Onstage, online, via podcasts, television, or radio — when worthwhile ideas are shared with passion, authenticity, and personality, it’s hard NOT to stand out.

The right message, carefully crafted and strategically presented, can turn you from a nobody into a go-to expert.

But you don’t need a stadium-sized audience to build trust and authority through public speaking. With the explosion of video-based platforms and algorithms that give live streaming the edge — smaller, less-formal interactions can boost your business in profound ways. Even everyday office interactions can serve as crucial building blocks when approached from the lens of public speaking.

You can’t move up the success ladder if you don’t know how to communicate your ideas effectively.

If you haven’t thought about honing your public speaking skills, now is the time. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to presenting. But in my work as a certified movement analyst, TEDx speaker, writer, and speaking coach, there are some simple tips that you can use to feel more confident in front of others — whether you’re speaking to a crowd, employees, or an online following.

1. Know what you’re really talking about.

Time is short. Distractions are plenty. Before you hit the stage or start that interview…