Public speaking without panic: Deepshikha Kumar on the simple strategies to boost your confidence 

My first public speaking encounter happened I was 15 years old and I walked off stage during a speech, with a million butterflies in my stomach. But 24 hours later, I found myself back in the spotlight, delivering that same speech with impeccable confidence. That experience taught me a valuable lesson: Normalise the process and stop overplaying it in your head. In the 25 years since, as a speaker on stage, on TV and as the founder of Asia’s largest coaching platform and speaker bureau, here’s what I’ve learnt about speaking confidently in public.

 Normalise the process 

When it comes to public speaking, I think the most effective way to overcome stage fright is to normalise the entire process. Instead of viewing it as daunting pressure, you need to imagine yourself engaging in a natural conversation with your audience. Of course, there are times when that fear of messing up creeps in. It’s normal to worry about making mistakes. The key is to stop the cycle of overthinking. One performance, good or bad, won’t define your future. Everyone makes mistakes, and the best speakers learn from them.

Be true to yourself 

Striving for a flawless delivery is a noble goal. But the magic of a truly great speech lies in letting your genuine self take centre stage. By doing this, you will connect with the audience on a human level. Remember, authenticity is an art form. So don’t be afraid to embrace all the parts of you – the easygoing, the professional, and everything in between.
Speaking of embracing the flow, one memory has stayed with me over the years. It’s an act of kindness from my vice headmistress, who gave me the chance to try again. I’m forever grateful for that one.

Speak about what you know 

When you have a deep understanding of your subject, confidence This is why I believe that creating your own material using a few pointers is the best way to practise your public speaking skills. By developing your content from the ground up, you’ll find it flows more naturally during delivery. This method not only enhances audience engagement but also helps in memorisation, making the entire process smoother.
But remember, improving your expertise takes time and involves a gradual process of learning about the subject. It doesn’t happen overnight. I like to think of it as a journey, not a sprint.

Breathing exercises are overrated 

Many people suggest the incorporation of breathing exercises to manage stage fright while delivering a speech. To me, I feel that they’re a little overrated. The moment you get into these exercises, you tend to blow up the significance of what you’re about to do. 

I would instead prioritise staying hydrated. It’s important to keep your mouth adequately moist as it affects your speech delivery, including the pauses and breaks you take while talking. Practise a straight posture. We speak clearly when we speak from our abdomen, not from our throat or mouth. So practise speaking as follows - pull your shoulders back, and sit tall. Imagine that your voice is coming from your belly, not from your vocal cords. Use your diaphragm to push the air out. So when speaking in-person or when standing to present, keep your posture straight, that’s when you speak the most clearly.

Master your body language 

Body language consists of three key elements, and maintaining a balance among all three aspects is crucial.

Put on an outfit that’s comfortable and in tune with the event and audience you are presenting to. 

When it comes to posture, maintaining a straight back and a high neck are essential. 

It’s okay to make adequate hand gestures but it’s best to limit excessive body movements. Try not to move around the stage too much as it can distract the audience and may be perceived as nervousness.

Don’t make it bigger than it is 

Take the judgement out of the equation and treat your audience as your supportive friends. They are there to understand your message, not to criticise or challenge you. Focus on conveying your message clearly. Stay calm, relax, and remember not to overcomplicate things.

Be boring if you have to 

People are expecting to hear something they don’t know yet, something real. That’s where your value lies, in the content you provide, and the expertise you share. You don’t have to crack jokes to make it funny. I learned to keep everything else simple. It’s okay to be boring. 

You’re not better than the audience 

I think the biggest misconception people tend to fall into is thinking that they are better than the audience. Don’t do that. The moment you begin to think that you are superior, you unknowingly put unnecessary pressure on yourself. Remember that you are not a teacher, nor should you try to become one. Your role is simply to share information, stories and experiences your audience may not have known before, which are unique to you.

Video yourself 

To improve your nonverbal communication, I recommend taking a video of yourself rehearsing in front of another person. Focus on your hand gestures, eye movements, and shoulder positions, and watch the other person’s reaction. Take notes if necessary, then experiment with incorporating these elements into your own delivery. Public speaking is like dancing with a partner – it’s a form of connection between individuals, and this principle applies equally to you and your audience, no matter the size.

Deepshikha Kumar is the founder of SpeakIn, Asia’s largest network of business experts and thought leaders. She is a TedX speaker, and the author of 101 Lessons to be a Damn Good Speaker! She’s also one of the most respected women entrepreneurs in the region, and has won several accolades, including The Economic Times Most Promising Women Leaders, 2020 Google Digital Women Award in Leadership, 2020 Top 100 Women Entrepreneurs by Ministry of MSME Government of India and 2019 and 2017 Asia Women Icon Award Singapore, which celebrates Excellence in Entrepreneurship.