How to Look Confident When Speaking in Public: 10 Tricks Anyone Can Learn

How to Look Confident When Speaking in Public: 10 Tricks Anyone Can Learn

Public speaking can feel like one of the most intimidating things in the world—suddenly your heart races, your palms sweat, and your mind goes blank. The good news? Confidence doesn’t always come from how you feel on the inside—it often comes from how you present yourself on the outside. Body language is your secret weapon. The way you stand, move, and even breathe can make the difference between looking nervous and looking completely in control. By practicing a few simple tricks, you can project confidence even when you don’t feel it.

1. Stand Tall with Good Posture

Slouching instantly makes you appear smaller, less confident, and less trustworthy. Straightening your back, pulling your shoulders back, and lifting your chin creates an image of strength before you even say a word.

Not only does good posture change the way your audience sees you, but it also changes the way you feel about yourself. A strong stance helps reduce feelings of nervousness and increases self-assurance.

Think of it like setting the stage—your words will land more effectively if they’re delivered by someone who looks grounded and steady. Even if you’re shaking on the inside, standing tall can make you look like the most confident person in the room.

2. Maintain Eye Contact

Looking down at your notes or staring at the back wall sends the message that you’d rather be anywhere else. Instead, locking eyes with your audience makes them feel included and keeps them engaged.

You don’t have to stare at one person like a laser beam. Move your gaze naturally across the room, holding eye contact with individuals for a few seconds before shifting. This creates a sense of conversation rather than a performance.

People are far more likely to listen to and trust someone who meets their gaze. It’s a small adjustment that signals confidence, even when your stomach is doing somersaults.

3. Use Open Hand Gestures

Closed-off body language—like folded arms or hands stuffed into pockets—can make you seem defensive or insecure. Using open hand gestures with palms visible instantly softens your presence and builds trust.

This doesn’t mean flailing your arms around like you’re flagging down a taxi. Keep movements controlled, purposeful, and aligned with your words. For example, spread your arms slightly when making a big point, or use your hands to “measure out” ideas.

Audiences respond better to speakers who look approachable and transparent. Open gestures send the message that you’re confident, honest, and ready to connect. Plus, moving your hands intentionally can help channel nervous energy in a productive way.

4. Smile Naturally

A smile is one of the quickest ways to create warmth between you and your audience. It makes you appear relaxed, approachable, and confident—even if you’re secretly freaking out inside.

The trick is to avoid forcing it. People can spot a fake grin instantly, and it can make you seem insincere. Instead, think of something that genuinely makes you happy or focus on the excitement of sharing your message.

Smiling not only reassures your audience, but it also calms you down by releasing feel-good endorphins. It’s a win-win: you look more confident, and you feel more confident at the same time.

5. Control Your Breathing

Rushed, shallow breaths signal nerves and often lead to a shaky voice. Practicing slow, deep breathing before and during your talk can instantly center you and help you stay in control.

Try inhaling deeply through your nose and exhaling slowly through your mouth as you prepare to speak. This technique relaxes your body and makes your voice sound stronger and steadier.

Controlled breathing also gives you natural pauses, which makes your delivery more powerful. Instead of racing through your words, you’ll sound deliberate, calm, and collected. It’s a small adjustment with a huge payoff in how confident you appear.

6. Pause with Purpose

Filling every second with “um” or “uh” doesn’t just distract from your message—it makes you seem uncertain. Learning to pause instead gives your words weight and authority.

A well-timed pause allows your audience to process what you’re saying, while also giving you a moment to collect your thoughts. Think of it as building suspense, like a comedian setting up a punchline.

Far from being awkward, silence can be one of the most powerful tools in your speaking toolkit. It makes people lean in and pay attention, and it makes you sound more confident and in control.

7. Mirror Your Audience

People naturally trust those who feel familiar. By subtly mirroring your audience’s body language—leaning forward when they do, nodding when they nod—you create a sense of connection.

This doesn’t mean copying every single movement like a mime. The goal is to match their energy level so you’re “in sync” without being obvious. If they’re leaning back and relaxed, you don’t want to be bouncing with hyper energy. If they’re leaning in and attentive, mirror that interest.

When your audience feels like you’re on the same wavelength, they’re more likely to listen and respond positively. That connection instantly boosts how confident you come across.

8. Take Up Space

Shrinking into yourself by crossing your arms, tucking in your elbows, or standing stiffly makes you look unsure. Confident people don’t try to disappear—they take up space in the room.

This doesn’t mean pacing nervously or stretching like you’re doing yoga on stage. Instead, plant your feet firmly, stand with your body open, and move deliberately to different parts of the stage or room.

Owning your space shows that you belong there and deserve attention. It signals that you’re in command, not just a guest hoping not to be noticed.

9. Keep Movements Smooth

Nervous energy has a way of leaking out in distracting ways—foot tapping, hand wringing, or shifting constantly from side to side. These movements don’t go unnoticed by your audience.

Practicing smooth, controlled gestures makes you look more polished and confident. If you’re going to move, do it with intention. Walk a few steps to emphasize a new point, or use your hands in a flowing motion to guide your audience’s focus.

When your body language looks relaxed and deliberate, your audience sees confidence—even if you’re fighting nerves beneath the surface. It’s all about control, not perfection.

10. Use the Power Pose Beforehand

Confidence doesn’t just happen when you step on stage—it starts backstage. Adopting a “power pose” before you speak can make a huge difference in how you carry yourself.

Try standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, hands on your hips, and shoulders back for a couple of minutes. It might feel silly, but research shows it can actually trick your brain into feeling more powerful and less stressed.

This little ritual gives you a surge of confidence that carries into your talk. By the time you face your audience, you’re not just pretending to be confident—you’re already starting to believe it.