SELF CONFIDENCE IS VITAL TO SUCCESS!

What does it take to be an effective communicator? First of all, you must gain confidence in order to tackle improving your skills and getting your message out to an audience.  Your audience can be another person, your supervisor, a small group of members in an organization or a huge crowd at a conference. Confidence allows you to “be yourself” and not fret over your perceived imperfections.  Every speaker has areas that they are not their best; however, knowing that you can get through whatever happens, makes them a better communicator. 

Years ago, I never thought I’d be standing in front of 100+ audience members to deliver a speech or workshop; many of them for 30+ minutes.  It took time for me to gain the confidence I needed to pursue speaking opportunities; however, I learned from feedback and pushed myself to enhance my skills.  
As a long-time Mentor, my initial advice is to take baby steps to feel better about speaking in front of other people.  Take opportunities that get you out of your comfort zone; no matter how small the occasion is – be sure to gently push yourself to grow.  If you smile and realize that you will be fine, you will get in the habit of accomplishing feats you never thought possible. 
One of my favorite quotes is by former first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt.  She says, “You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”  By doing what you think you cannot do, you have done it and each time you do this remarkable achievement, you will get stronger mentally and you’ll feel so good about yourself.

Everyone has fears about speaking; however, learning to control that fear and putting it in the background of your mind is what makes the difference. I get nervous before every speaking event but it’s that surge of adrenaline that propels me to conquer my fears.  I take several deep breaths; holding it and letting it out slowly to calm my nerves and this help me tremendously.  Vision yourself successful and you will be; it works for me!

Confidence is your first step to bigger and better opportunities for personal growth!

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