Oh my God, like, hi everyone! I’m, like, sooo stoked to be here today? Fer sure! And, like, I just have to ask, you know, like, has anyone ever totally freaked out at the idea of, like, speaking in front of a crowd? Especially, OMG, if it’s, like, your peers? I mean, seriously, talk about major panic vibes, right?
So, like, here’s the thing. Public speaking is, like, one of the most rad skills ever? But, like, also totally terrifying? It’s, like, one of those things that’s, like, “Ugh, do I have to?” But, you know, it’s super crucial if you wanna, like, slay in the professional world. Whether you’re, like, presenting some mondo project or leading a meeting or, like, whatever? Being able to talk all confident and stuff is, like, literally life-changing. So today, I’m, like, gonna share, you know, why being, like, a confident speaker is, like, totally awesome? And, like, how you can, like, totally nail it.
Okay, so, like, first of all? Confidence in public speaking is, like, totally about trust. Like, you trusting yourself? And other people being, like, “Oh my God, this person knows their stuff.” Like, imagine this: You’re, like, a project manager? And you’re presenting some, like, super tight idea to, like, this board of serious yuppie types. And you’re all, like, mumbling and “uh, um,” and, like, not even making eye contact? The room’s, like, totally gonna space out, right? But if you’re, like, all chill and confident and, like, own the room? Everyone’s, like, “Wow, she’s, like, sooo smart.”
Also, like, being confident makes you look, like, super smart, even if you’re, like, just kinda winging it? Like, no joke. People are, like, “Oh, they totally know their stuff!” But, like, if you’re all shaky and awkward? It’s, like, “Yikes, do they even, like, know what’s going on?” So, like, confidence is, like, this super rad life hack.
Like, to make it, you know, super relatable? Let’s talk about, like, Steve Jobs? That guy was, like, the ultimate when it came to, like, giving talks. He was all, like, “Here’s this, like, super cool iPhone, and it’s, like, gonna change your life?” And everyone’s, like, “Whoa, for sure!” He wasn’t, like, all techie and boring. He was, like, chill and simple, but, like, powerful. And, oh my God, don’t even get me started on, like, Oprah. She’s, like, the queen of connecting with people? She’s all, like, “Let’s be real,” and you’re, like, sobbing and nodding along.
But, like, you don’t have to be, like, Steve Jobs or Oprah to, like, own it, you know? Like, public speaking is more about being, like, real and chill than, like, trying to be all flashy. For sure.
So, like, here’s the deal. If you wanna, like, be a confident speaker, there are, like, five things you gotta nail. First? Preparation. Like, duh! If you don’t know your stuff, you’re gonna be, like, a total space cadet. Second? Clarity. Like, keep it simple, okay? Don’t be all, like, interdepartmental this or efficiency parameters that. Like, no one wants to hear that junk. Just, like, say it straight, you know? Third? Body language. Like, stand tall and don’t be, like, all shifty and weird. Fourth? Connection. Like, don’t just, like, talk at people—be real and relatable. And fifth? Practice. Like, obviously, right?
And, oh my God, like, here’s a major tip? Preparation isn’t just about, like, knowing your stuff. It’s, like, about, you know, getting your vibe right for your audience? Like, what do they care about? Are they, like, super nerdy or, like, more chill? Figure that out, and you’re, like, golden.
Also, like, can we talk about filler words for a sec? Like, saying “um” or “uh” is, like, sooo awkward? Just, like, pause. Pauses are, like, totally powerful. They’re, like, “Wow, this person is, like, sooo deep.”
And, like, practice is, like, everything. Try, like, recording yourself, and, like, OMG, watch it back. It’s, like, major cringe, but also, like, super helpful? Or, like, join a Toastmasters group. Those people are, like, so supportive. Like, you could totally mess up, and they’d be, like, “You’re doing great, sweetie!”
Oh, and, like, visualization? Like, before you speak, just, like, imagine yourself being, like, so rad and confident? Like, totally crushing it? It’s, like, magic. For sure.
So, like, the next time you get a chance to, like, speak in front of a crowd, don’t be all, like, “I can’t even.” Just, like, go for it. Be yourself, you know? Like, prepare, practice, and just, like, own it. Public speaking is, like, a skill, not, like, some magical talent. So, like, you’ve totally got this. And, like, OMG, thank you so much for listening! You’re all, like, seriously amazing. Thank you very much. Bye!
“The hallmark of a brilliant orator is their ability to speak for hours, leaving the audience feeling as though they’ve both learned everything and absolutely nothing in equal measure.”
– Lord Quentin Thistledrip
Pioneer of Auditory Hyperbolism
