My ‘One Word’ this week is: CONFIDENCE

What’s my NUMBER ONE public speaking tip?

SPANX

Bet you didn’t see that coming. The thing is, I’m completely serious. SPANX, as a brand, sells (in ‘One Word’) a core value that’s essential to great public speaking:

CONFIDENCE.

Now, I’d like to think that I’m in pretty good shape in my 50s. My trainer has me strength training 4 times a week, along with 1 day of conditioning, weekends of walking 8K steps a day, and an easy-to-follow nutrition plan. My focus on physical health has gone a long way towards improving my confidence and overall mental health.

Despite all of this work to stay fit and energized, I still occasionally struggle with body image issues.

I was a chubby kid and bore the brunt of many family jokes about my weight growing up. Sometimes, these childhood triggers stop me from being my true self around other people, which is a huge challenge if you’re speaking on stage.

Motivational speaking is incredibly vulnerable. It’s literally you, alone, in front of a room full of eyes staring you up and down as you try to share your big ideas for a better life. Even when the crowd is super positive and receptive, it’s hard not to feel a little self-conscious and exposed.

Enter—SPANX.

I can feel some of the men reading this cringing at the thought of squeezing into some shapewear. But I see them as armor, protecting me at times from my own self-doubt. The idea that I can look a little slimmer in seconds gives me the confidence to shift the focus away from my appearance to serving the audience with my ‘One Word’ philosophy.

I can just step on stage and be myself—SPANX and all.

If you struggle with public speaking, think about all the situations and things that make you feel like your best self. Experiment with incorporating those into your public speaking routine or mindset.

It doesn’t have to be a compression t-shirt from SPANX, but I’m telling you, it works wonders!

What makes you feel confident in stressful situations?