Struggling with Public Speaking Confidence? Tips for MBA Students in HR

Hi, I'm new to this forum. I don't know much about it. I'm an MBA student specializing in HR. I just want to know how should I build my self-confidence within an individual because I lack self-confidence while public speaking. However, I can do presentations well.

Hi Jyoti,

When you wake up in the morning, say to yourself that you are the most confident person on earth. Try to go alone to shopping malls and cafeterias. Read some good books on confidence building. And don't feel that you lack somewhere, as all the other people are just like you.

Regards,
Vivek
9967550964

Hi Jyoti,

I also failed in Public Speaking in the first instance when I was asked to speak ex-tempore during my initial training as Management Trainee (Pers.) at HAL in 1978. It hurt me very much. I was trembling all along while standing and speaking. The topic was of my choice by chance, but the fear of speaking before other trainees of my batch, the Principal, and the manager (Trg.) lingered in my mind. After this episode, I started reading newspapers every day in English and Hindi, loudly. I began arguing with my colleagues on points where I had a confirmed opinion on the issue. I started using a mirror every morning and would say to myself, "I am the most confident, the best, and intelligent speaker; I can handle question and answer sessions successfully." I began rehearsing my script in a closed room, loudly and with gestures. I started treating the audience as stones and then would begin my speech. I never dwelled on the stature of the audience present in the room. I did everything to make my script filled with relevant, powerful words and phrases. I sought power from God for excellent Public Speaking, etc. All of these actions gave me so much confidence and power that after two or three unsuccessful attempts, I began to succeed remarkably. I started receiving "Outstanding" feedback from participants. The basic thing is your command over the language and thoroughness with your script. Dream big to become big. 😊

Regards,

Yours Truly,

Satish Kumar Dhanwal

Jyoti, you lack confidence because you think so and you keep saying so. Please stop this and start visualizing that you are very confident. This may seem irrelevant to you at first, but if you keep saying it, your mind will accept it, and you will be full of confidence.

Dear Jyoti,

Mr. Dhanwal is absolutely correct. It happens with almost everybody at the start of their career. Confidence in public speaking basically requires some knowledge and skills.

First thing is your job/subject knowledge - an important aspect is to know 'what not' along with 'what is' about the subject (meaning, you should be prepared for all negative or possible questions from your audience).

Secondly, you should have a command of the audience's language (it would be best if you also understand their verbal and nonverbal body expressions).

Thirdly, you should be well aware of the pain points of the audience, i.e., why you are there and why they should listen to you.

Fourthly, the most important skills for any public speaking are common sense, presence of mind, and a sense of humor. With these, you can work wonders, as sometimes you may have seen Hon'ble Railway Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav do.

All of the above you can learn with practice. This will give you inner confidence, "yes, I can."

Best wishes for meaningful progress.

Regards,

Sameer

This was a very motivating and guided suggestion by Mr. Dadhwal. I want to ask that I am in my last semester of MBA (HR). Since I am doing my course from IGNOU, I have often come across organizations that are prestigious but do not give permission for internships. How should I overcome this problem? Kindly give some suggestions.

Jayitree

Mr. Satish Kumar Dhanwal and Mr. Sameer, that was the most incredible solution provided. Your words themselves were so powerful, good enough to impact the mind and soul.

I too practiced public speaking on my own. I remember being ridiculed by the audience for being a misery on the podium. However, that experience made me fight back and look at the threat as an opportunity. I am still learning the best practices, and such a good post can only help others to improve.

Thank you once again for such an amazing post.

Regards,
Sudhir

Hello Satish,

Thank you very much for the post; it is truly inspiring. I believe that it is only when we face hurdles that we make efforts to leap ahead. I am currently pursuing an MBA and still in the process of improving myself for public speaking. I have a long way to go, but I am dedicated to the journey.

Once again, thank you for the post.

Regards,
Natasha

Thank you, Mr. Dhaliwal, for sharing your thoughts. I am facing a similar problem, but as an introverted person, I struggle to express my opinions in front of others. Can I improve myself by using your idea? Or could you suggest a way out for this issue?

Just remember the quote when you are about to speak anywhere: "No one comes, no one does, my effort brings me success." This is what I follow and what I share with others to let them know the secret I follow. From my experience, I can say that this is the best medicine to overcome the fear of public speaking and lack of confidence.

I suggest being very friendly and keeping in mind the language you use when writing in a public forum. Since you are new to the jobs domain and public platforms like CiteHR, you may not feel that this is important. However, it is.

Regards,
Surya

Raising your benchmark also helps by channeling your anxiety from "I'm getting nervous" to "I'm going to do REALLY well!"