Learn how to be more assertive and confident in public speaking with practical tips that build your skills over time.

there is a difference between assertion and aggression. Over time, as you practice public speaking, you will realize it's a combination of what you say and how you say it. A rule of thumb I've followed over the years is - Speak your heart. Only if you believe in what you are saying can you have a clear confidence and assertion to your tone. Create a narrative that you believe in and others will believe you.

Last updated on Jul 31, 2024

Here's how you can cultivate assertiveness in public speaking over time.

Assertiveness is a key quality in public speaking, and cultivating it can dramatically improve your effectiveness in delivering messages. It's about communicating clearly and confidently, without being aggressive. To become more assertive, you need to believe in your message and in your right to say it, which often starts with a strong sense of self-worth. Over time, with practice and the right strategies, you can develop a more assertive speaking style that engages and persuades your audience.

1 Build Confidence

Confidence is the bedrock of assertiveness. Start by knowing your material inside out. This means doing thorough research and practicing your speech multiple times. Familiarity breeds confidence, and when you're confident about what you're saying, it shows. Also, work on developing a positive mindset. Replace self-doubt with affirmations and remember past speaking successes. Confidence isn't built overnight, but each successful presentation will lay another brick in your foundation of assertiveness.

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Komal Atta

Director, Department of Medical Education,UMDC at The University of Faisalabad.
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there is a difference between assertion and aggression. Over time, as you practice public speaking, you will realize it's a combination of what you say and how you say it. A rule of thumb I've followed over the years is - Speak your heart. Only if you believe in what you are saying can you have a clear confidence and assertion to your tone. Create a narrative that you believe in and others will believe you.

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Jayashree Arumugam

Group HR Ops and Transformation | Capgemini
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Cultivating assertiveness in public speaking takes consistent practice and self-reflection. When you begin, set clear goals for your speaking engagements. Then, focus on delivering your message with confidence and clarity. To gain experience and refine your skills, engage in regular public speaking opportunities. Ask for constructive feedback from your peers and mentors to identify areas for improvement. Practice mindfulness and positive visualization to manage anxiety and enhance your presence. Over time, these practices will help you develop a strong, assertive speaking style that effectively communicates your message. #PublicSpeaking #Assertiveness

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Philip Taylor

Dynamic pharmaceutical reimbursement and sales professional! Specialty Pharmaceutical Sales/Field Reimbursement /Patient Support/ Market Access
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Practice, practice, practice. Whether it's a job interview or your first time meeting with a new client, write down exactly what you would want to say in the perfect situation. Then, practice saying it aloud over and over. Not just once. Not just three times. Do it as many times as you need to feel like you could deliver that message no matter what the circumstances. Getting a conversation off to a great start with someone new will build your confidence and build the confidence in you by the person listening.

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Zubin Rashid

Public Speaking Coach for C-suite Executives | Presentation Skills Expert | 20+ Years of Global Experience | L&D Expert | Speaker | Author | Podcaster
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Cultivating assertiveness in public speaking takes time and practice, but it's achievable. Start by setting clear goals for each speaking opportunity. Practice regularly, even in small settings, to build confidence. Use positive affirmations to boost self-belief. Watch and learn from confident speakers. Rehearse with feedback from trusted friends or mentors. Embrace your unique voice and keep pushing your boundaries.

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2 Master Body Language

Your body speaks volumes before you even utter a word. To convey assertiveness, adopt an open stance, make regular eye contact, and use purposeful gestures. Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself to become aware of any nervous ticks or closed-off body language that may undermine your message. Remember, strong posture and deliberate movements can make you feel and appear more assertive.

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Philip Taylor

Dynamic pharmaceutical reimbursement and sales professional! Specialty Pharmaceutical Sales/Field Reimbursement /Patient Support/ Market Access
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To master your body language you have to be confident in how you look. Wear your favorite professional outfit. Use the voice you used when you were practicing your introduction at home. If you sound good to you, you'll sound good to them. And if you sound good, you'll feel comfortable and confident. Reach out and shake hands as you introduce yourself. If you are familiar enough with the person, do the two hand shake with the other hand holding their forearm briefly.

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3 Voice Modulation

The way you use your voice can enhance or detract from your assertiveness. Work on projecting your voice clearly and at a volume appropriate for the space. Avoid monotonous delivery by varying your pitch and pace to emphasize key points. Practicing breathing techniques can also help control the voice and convey calm assertiveness. When you sound confident, your audience is more likely to perceive you as assertive.

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Philip Taylor

Dynamic pharmaceutical reimbursement and sales professional! Specialty Pharmaceutical Sales/Field Reimbursement /Patient Support/ Market Access
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Again, as I said earlier, practice, practice, practice. Don't try to modulate your voice too much. You want to be the best version of you instead of sounding like you're trying to deliver the evening news. If you know your product and the information you want to deliver you'll sound confident and comfortable.

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4 Engage With Audience

Interaction is a powerful tool for assertiveness. Ask rhetorical questions, invite opinions, or use polls to involve your audience. This not only makes your speech more engaging but also demonstrates your control over the room, which is a sign of assertiveness. Be prepared to handle questions with poise; this shows that you're not only knowledgeable but also confident in your expertise.

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5 Reflect and Adjust

After each public speaking engagement, take time to reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors who can provide constructive criticism. Use this information to make adjustments in your approach. Continuous reflection and adaptation show a commitment to growth, which is essential for becoming more assertive in your public speaking over time.

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6 Continuous Practice

Like any skill, assertiveness in public speaking gets better with practice. Seize every opportunity to speak publicly, whether it's at a small team meeting or a large conference. Each experience is a chance to implement what you've learned and to grow more comfortable with being assertive. Over time, these opportunities will shape you into a more confident and commanding speaker.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Praveen Upadhyay

Ecophile I Extraversion I Reformer I Challenger I Motivator I Facilitator I LinkedIn Top Voice
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Cultivating assertiveness in public speaking is a valuable skill that can enhance your confidence and effectiveness. Regular practice is key, so start with small, low stake situations and gradually progress to large audience. Prepare thoroughly because knowing your material inside and out can boost your confidence. Define what assertiveness means to you in the context of public speaking Work on body language like standing up straight, making eye contact, and using purposeful gestures can reinforce your message and convey confidence Learn to handle nervousness and develop a strong mindset. Cultivate a mindset of growth and resilience

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Here's how you can cultivate assertiveness in public speaking over time.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Build Confidence

2 Master Body Language

3 Voice Modulation

4 Engage With Audience

5 Reflect and Adjust

6 Continuous Practice

7 Here’s what else to consider

Public Speaking

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Here's how you can cultivate assertiveness in public speaking over time.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Build Confidence

2 Master Body Language

3 Voice Modulation

4 Engage With Audience

5 Reflect and Adjust

6 Continuous Practice

7 Here’s what else to consider

Public Speaking

Rate this article

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