Self-confidence is an attitude about your skills and abilities. It means you accept and trust yourself and have a sense of control in your life. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses and having a realistic view of yourself helps you to set expectations for yourself that are attainable. Handling criticism, and communicating assertively is an important parts of public speaking. Self-confidence is the combination of your basic self-worth and your basic sense of competency. It is the knowledge that you can cope with any problems you encounter and the belief that you deserve happiness.
Following is a list of the common types of confidence:
- Self-Confidence. Self-confidence is an individual’s foundational belief in their abilities, knowledge, character and judgement.
- Self-Efficacy
- Fake it till you make it
- Illusory Superiority
- Illusory Inferiority
- Illusion of Control
- Pessimism
- Defeatism
Here is a simple exercise to practice prior to public speaking.
An affirmation is a short positive statement.
Provide each of these categories with an affirmation prior to public speaking.
What would these people say to you prior to a public speaking engagement?
- A personal trainer….example. “You are amazing.”
- Accepting friend….. example. “Wow! What a talent.”
- Hollywood agent……example. “You’re fantastic.”
- Rational teacher…….example. “You have worked hard. Let yourself shine.”
- Compassionate Mentor…….example “You are fabulous, like me.”
- Kindly Aunt…….example “I am so proud of you dear.”
Self-confidence is crucial in public speaking.
Problems such as stage fear and nervousness can disappear when you feel and exude self-confidence. Let it shine!
Written by,
Bette Elly Klimitz
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