From Nervous speaker to Confident Speaker – How so?

I can visualize exactly how the crackling of my voice sounded to my own ears during my persuasion speech, in front my oral communication class during my Sophomore year of Community College.

Oh and not to mention, I chose to speak, well “persuade” my peers and professor why we all should pray more. This was during a time where speaking out concerning your Faith was not popular or discussed among my demographics, much less, outside the walls of the Church. Knowing that ‘fun fact’ made me realize the anxiety I began to feel after my Professor called me up to present my speech. Don’t forget the cherry on top though….once I heard that sound of nervousness aka that crackling voice sound, that was the final nervous punch to the gut (bubble guts) which causes my breathing patterns to change course. So how can this football player persuade the professor and the rest of the class to pray more? One word….SUBSTANCE.

You see, even though my anxiety heighten, I still spoke from experience. I spoke from my heart. I was nervous, but sincere. Standing tall, but trembling. My words carried weight. The classroom was captivated so deeply that you can hear a pin drop..on carpet!

I adopted this practice and implemented it into my daily habits: Being nervous (or scared) but still doing it. The more I did that, the more confident I became. Meanwhile, as life is throwing lemons at me, I was trying not to make lemonade but instead, I was using the seeds to plant an orchard. Seeds of Faith, Hope, and Determination. As a result, confidence began to sprout and then bud into my Speeches. My mindset now is “I’m speaking here today for a reason and I have to seize the opportunity for Impact! I will rise up and Serve my gift to Young Scholars, Student – Athletes, and Business Professionals”.

Are you nervous speaker? How do you build confidence?