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From Nervous to Natural: 5 Proven Techniques to Speak with Confidence
- Sinead Nicgabhann
- Nov 27
- 2 min read
Every speaker experiences that moment of hesitation: your heart rate rises, your voice feels strange, you worry you’ll stumble or sound weak. The audience doesn’t know what you’re thinking - they only hear what you say and how you say it.
But here’s the secret: confidence in speaking isn’t about erasing nerves. It’s about managing your voice so it supports your message. Below are five tried-and-true techniques you can start applying today, whether you’re leading a meeting, pitching, or speaking on stage.
1. Ground your body, steady your breathing
Before your first word, take three slow, full breaths into your lower ribcage (not just the top of your lungs). Let your diaphragm expand. As you exhale, allow your shoulders to relax.
This simple reset:
Anchors your presence
Lowers vocal pitch slightly (speaking from your “core”)
Reduces tremor or tension
Try it before your next video call - you’ll feel an instant shift.
2. Use the “soft onset / semi-occluded vocal tract” trick
One of the most powerful tools vocal coaches use is semi-occluded vocal tract (SOVT) exercises - like straw phonation, lip trills, or humming.
When you phonate through a straw (or hum into a straw), it:
Eases vocal strain
Encourages balanced airflow and vocal fold vibration
Helps you find a richer, more connected voice
You can do a 2-minute straw exercise before any speaking occasion - it primes your voice to sound more resonant and safe.
3. Pause for power
Too often we rush through ideas. But strategic pausing:
Gives your audience time to absorb
Adds weight to your next phrase
Lets you breathe and recalibrate
Use the “pause before your punchlines” rule. Every time you have a key statement or direction shift, pause 0.5-1 second first. That silence hammers the point.
4. Vary your pacing & energy
Monotone kills engagement. But over-excited speeds are tiring. The trick is variation:
Slow slightly for complex points
Pick up for momentum or stories
Drop tone at the end of an idea to invite reflection
Raise pitch subtly to signal curiosity, call to action
Record yourself reading a paragraph. See where you can stretch or pull back. Notice your natural rhythm and amplify what works.
5. Anchor with intention
Your voice is just one tool - your intention is the engine. Before you speak, ask:
What’s my core message?
Who am I speaking to (their need, mindset)?
What do I want them to feel or do?
Hold that anchor in mind - then let your voice (pace, tone, volume) be guided by it. When energy follows intention, you come across as purposeful, authentic, and grounded.
Practice & iteration
Record short 60-second practice speeches (phone mic is enough).
Use SOVT / straw exercises before recording and before real speaking.
After you speak, review a portion and ask: Did I pause enough? Did I vary tone? Did my voice feel connected?
Repeat weekly - consistency builds muscle and confidence.
If you’re ready to move beyond “tips” and build lasting vocal confidence, I’d love to work with you. Schedule your “Superior Speaking” discovery call and let’s map out how Superior Speaking can help you shift from nervous to natural - in conferences, meetings, and every spoken moment.
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