6 Essential Ways to Speak With More Confidence
Being a confident speaker isn’t a skill learned overnight. It takes months of practice to achieve an Emma Watson-level of poise. However, if you apply the tips below in your everyday life, you’ll mold yourself into an aspiring cheerleader that secures a spot in your dream team.
1. Use your nervousness to your advantage
Speaking in front of strangers can be nerve-wracking. However, you can turn your shakiness into strength. One way to do this is to always smile. Not only does it make you calm down, but it also emanates a true pro cheerleader persona.
2. Always foster a positive mental imagery
Fear is the number one confidence killer. Don’t think about negative thoughts that could possibly run through your listener’s thoughts. Think that you’re happy to be given the chance to speak up.
3. Replace filler words with pauses
Stop saying “uhhmm”, ”uhhhhh”, or ‘errrr”. Instead, take pauses. While you’re at it, collect your thoughts. Breathe slowly while you regain your composure. Don’t forget to smile or smirk because doing so always helps.
4. Start speaking naturally and don’t be loud
Don’t rush when you’re speaking and don’t be too slow. You don’t want to sound like the female version of Jesse Eisenberg or a Valley Girl. There is nothing wrong with sounding like the two. But remember, speaking with confidence is about talking clearly.
Control the volume of your voice as well. Speaking too loud will quickly put you out of breath and will make you think you look weird. Practice talking in a volume like you’re at a cafe full of people - loud enough that your companion can hear you but not the barista.
5. Identify and challenge your excuses
Ask yourself this: “What makes me shy when speaking in front of strangers?” Whatever your answer is, find a way to get over it. I too was shy before. The reason why is because listeners with a blank face give me the impression that I’m boring.
The truth is, most people share that expression when listening and they won’t smile unless you smile first. By introducing a feeling of positivity when talking, my listeners start to feel positive as well, and that in turn gives me more confidence.
6. Keep your sentences short
Your job as a speaker is to let your listeners understand every word you say. It’s a simple thought yet a very hard task to execute especially for shy women. But there is one trick to get over this - be straight.
Just like talking at a normal pace in a healthy volume, the number of words you speak is also very important to keep you confident. Here’s a sample scenario you should learn from:
Audition Judge: Tell me about yourself.
You: I’m (Your Name), XX years of age, and I currently live at (Your Home Address).
Audition Judge: Why do you want to be a professional cheerleader?
You: I want to be a pro cheerleader because dancing is my passion and I want to channel that emotion into supporting the home team.
Your reason might be different. But the point is, keep your words short and clear. If you think too much about what to say, your mind will race until you’re in a mental block. The simpler your sentence is, the easier it is to speak out.
Speaking with confidence starts with trusting yourself. You must believe that you can talk in front of people without being shy. Once you muster the conviction to face everyone, there is nothing that can stop you from taking the spotlight!
Never stop learning and keep on improving yourself with more of these pro cheer blogs!
- Overcome These Limiting Beliefs and Make Your Way to Audition Success
- Stop Asking for Permission to Chase Your Dreams
- 7 Tips to Keep Moving Forward When You're Feeling Discouraged
- How to Create and Maintain a Positive Attitude
- How to Transform Your Weaknesses Into Strengths
Do You Picture Yourself As A Professional Cheerleader? Get Expert Advice From Someone Who's Been There.
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