Public speaking is all about confidence, but there are certain habits that can really hold you back.

When you’re standing in front of a crowd, every little trait gets magnified. Those minor quirks can make a big difference in how your message is received.

The good news? You can change those habits. And once you do, you’ll find that public speaking isn’t as daunting as it seems.

The next step is identifying what needs to change. Here are nine habits to bid adieu if you want to truly master the art of confident public speaking. Your audience will thank you for it – and so will your future self.

1) Fear of judgment

Public speaking can be scary, and one of the biggest reasons is the fear of being judged.

We’ve all had those moments where we imagine every single person in the crowd picking apart our every word and gesture. It’s intimidating, to say the least.

But here’s the thing: That fear of judgment? It’s holding you back.

Confident public speakers know that everyone makes mistakes, and that’s okay. What matters more is your message and how effectively you communicate it.

Say goodbye to that fear of judgment. Embrace your individuality, your uniqueness, and your message.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being real, being genuine, and connecting with your audience. And you can’t do that if you’re constantly worried about what people might think of you.

2) Over-reliance on notes

I’ve been there. Standing on stage, clutching a pile of note cards like they’re my only lifeline.

In my early days of public speaking, I was so terrified of forgetting my lines that I’d write out my entire speech, word for word. And then I’d spend the entire presentation glued to those notes.

But here’s what I learned: relying too heavily on notes disconnects you from your audience. You’re so focused on what you’re supposed to say next that you’re not really present in the moment.

One day, I decided to ditch the notes. Instead, I jotted down a few key points and trusted myself to fill in the rest. It was scary, yes. But it also changed everything.

Without my notes as a crutch, I was able to truly engage with my audience. I could make eye contact, react to their responses, and adapt my speech on the fly. It made my presentations more dynamic and authentic.

If you want to boost your confidence in public speaking, let go of those meticulous notes. Trust in your knowledge and your ability to communicate it. After all, you’re the expert on your topic – believe in that!

3) Speaking too fast

In the world of public speaking, speed kills. When we’re nervous or trying to cram a lot of information into a short time frame, we tend to speed up our speech.

But do you know that the optimal speaking rate for public speaking is around 150 words per minute? That’s a lot slower than our average conversational speed, which is typically around 200 words per minute.

Speaking at a slower pace allows your audience time to digest your message. It also gives you time to breathe, think, and deliver your speech more effectively.

Slow down. Let your words have weight. Give your audience the time they need to absorb your message. This will not only make your speech more impactful but also boost your confidence as a public speaker.

4) Neglecting body language

Words are powerful, but they’re only part of the story when it comes to public speaking. Your body language speaks volumes too.

Confident speakers understand the importance of using their bodies to reinforce their message. They stand tall, make eye contact, and use gestures to emphasize key points.

On the flip side, behaviors like crossing your arms, avoiding eye contact, or fidgeting can communicate nervousness or lack of confidence.

Pay attention to what your body is saying. Practice good posture. Use gestures that align with your speech. Make eye contact with your audience.

When your body language matches your words, you’ll come across as more confident and your message will have a greater impact.

5) Ignoring the audience

Public speaking isn’t a monologue; it’s a dialogue.

Many speakers make the mistake of focusing too much on their content and not enough on their audience. They deliver their speech, but they don’t engage with the people in front of them.

Engaging your audience doesn’t mean you have to constantly ask them questions or seek their approval. It can be as simple as acknowledging their reactions, adjusting your pace based on their responses, or tailoring examples to make them more relatable.

Your goal as a speaker isn’t just to deliver information; it’s to connect with your audience. That connection is what turns a good speech into a great one.

So next time you’re up on stage, don’t just speak at your audience – speak with them.

6) Forgetting the why

Public speaking isn’t just about sharing information. It’s about sharing a part of yourself – your thoughts, your ideas, your passion.

When we forget why we’re speaking, when we lose sight of the passion and purpose behind our words, our speeches become hollow. They lack the emotional resonance that can truly move an audience.

I’ve seen speakers get so caught up in the ‘what’ and ‘how’ of their speech that they forget the ‘why’. And it shows. The audience can tell when you’re just going through the motions.

Remember your ‘why’. Why does this topic matter to you? Why should it matter to your audience? What change do you want to inspire?

Answer these questions, and let your answers fuel your speech. Your passion will shine through, and your audience will feel it too.

That’s the heart of confident public speaking.

7) Avoiding difficult topics

There was a time when I would shy away from challenging topics in my speeches. I thought that if I stuck to safe, neutral subjects, I’d avoid controversy and keep everyone happy.

But over time, I realized that by avoiding these difficult topics, I was also avoiding meaningful conversations. I was missing opportunities to truly engage my audience and inspire thought and dialogue.

Tackling tough topics can be intimidating, yes. But it can also be incredibly rewarding.

When you dare to delve into difficult subjects, you show your audience that you’re not afraid of complexity or controversy. You demonstrate your ability to handle tough conversations with grace and respect.

Don’t shy away from the hard stuff. Embrace it. Your courage will earn you respect and boost your confidence as a public speaker.

8) Lack of preparation

Preparation is key in public speaking. Without it, even the most experienced speakers can flounder.

But preparation isn’t just about memorizing your speech. It’s about understanding your topic inside and out. It’s about anticipating possible questions and knowing how to answer them. It’s about practicing, again and again, until your delivery is smooth and confident.

When you’re well-prepared, you can step onto the stage with confidence because you know you’re ready. You’ve done the work, and now you get to share it with your audience.

Put in the time. Do the research. Practice your delivery. Your audience will appreciate your effort, and your confidence will shine through.

9) Not being yourself

In public speaking, authenticity is everything.

People can tell when you’re pretending to be something you’re not. And when they sense that lack of authenticity, it’s harder for them to connect with you and your message.

So be yourself. Use your own voice, share your own experiences, and express your own ideas.

It’s your uniqueness, your individuality, that will resonate with your audience. It’s what will make your speech memorable and impactful.

Llet go of the pretense and just be you. That’s the real key to confident public speaking.

Embracing the journey

Public speaking, like any skill, is a journey.

It’s not about perfection, but progress. It’s about stumbling, picking yourself up, and learning from each experience.

Remember, even the most accomplished speakers were once beginners. They too had to overcome fears, break bad habits, and learn to connect with their audience.

The renowned motivational speaker, Les Brown, once said, “You don’t have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great.”

So start today. Say goodbye to these nine habits. Embrace your uniqueness, your authenticity, and your passion.

And remember, every speech you give is another step on your journey towards becoming a confident public speaker.

The world needs your voice. So step up, speak out, and let your voice be heard.