Confidence in Public Speaking Craig Jackson Professor of Workplace Psychology Birmingham City University

Start Strong – Stand up Comedy – best 3 gags

People like to hear what they want to hear Careful opening Sense the atmosphere Tell them what they want Then get your message in after

Confidence as a Commodity Should be used more CVs UK very poor at this Charisma and CharismaticsGoogle it!

Confidence isn’t everything Substance is key But... Substance lost if communication weak

Confident people ≠ Confident speaking What are they all lacking?

Confident Vocabulary Mastery of language Word-power Thinking on your feet Use new words Make your own words Simple words for simple people Words are a tool of the trade “Cluedo-Crime-Reporting” “Cocaine – Amphetamine – Ketamine”

You can change Skill NOT Talent Can be learned and perfected Unconfident now ≠ Unconfident in future Evolves

Poise Feng Shui your talk Awareness of environment Awareness of people Awareness of setting and context Making an ENTRANCE

Less is more Minimalism Minimalism of style:words movement hands

Positivity Lighting up a room People are pre-disposed towards it “Mirth-sponges” “Time-thieves” People will seek you out for good things

Aesthetics Ugly bias Can be problem in shallow-age Challenge to be overcome More emphasis needed on message and style

“It’s all an Act, dear” Can turn on and off Control it Use it when needed Being different “yous” is fine - Image-management Break the 4 th wall – post-modernise the talk

Don’t try to overly-please the crowd You can’t win over everyone Someone will always find you objectionable Don’t be swayed Humour can work... but it can fail badly Swearing rarely works - reduces professionalism

Humility (some) Please and thank-yous Deference when needed Although you can be a diva too!

Don’t compare yourself to Others Pointless Do your own thing well We’re all struggling / anxious / worried / confused

Final Tips Use any stress you’re feeling to motivate you They invited YOU to speak for a reason The power is not with the audience but you You control the environment of the venue