4 Types of Confidence that Determine Your Effectiveness

1) Confidence in the quality of your speech.

That is one of the reasons it is important to have well written speech. If you believe that your speech is only so-so, you will not present it boldly. Take the time to learn how to craft a good speech.

2) Confidence in your knowledge of, and comfort with, performing your speech.

The more you know your speech - the words and phrases that are coming up, how you are going to say them, and what you are going to do on stage - the more demonstrative and expressive you will be. If you are constantly trying to remember your script, you will hold back. Your attention is focused on your word, not your audience. As a result, you will sound flat, mechanical and rehearsed. That is why practice is so important. Plan plenty of rehearsal time into each speech or presentation.

3) Confidence in your speaking ability.

If you don't think you can do it, you won't. Don't worry. Your confidence will grow over time, as you speak more and more.

4) Confidence in yourself.

Let's face it, It takes guts to perform at a high level. If you are worried about what others will think, you will hold back. The more confidence you are in your own skin, as the saying goes, the bolder you will be on stage.