For some people, public speaking is like their worst nightmare. The mere thought of standing and speaking in front of a crowd makes their legs feel weak and their heart pound with so much speed. Does this sound like you? Here are 3 effective ways to build stage confidence as a public speaker. 1. Practice And Prepare There is no better way to build your confidence than practicing. Going over your notes, severally allows you to become well-versed with the topic you’ll be covering in your speech. So, take some time to practice, practice, and practice some more. Once you’re comfortable, get a family member or friend to watch you speak. 2. Know Your Audience Regardless of what your speech is about, it is for about your audience, and not you. Take some time to learn all you can about your audience even before crafting your message. 3. Use Humor In most events that host a lot of speakers, it’s easy to become bored, tired and sleepy. Starting your speech with a joke will not only quickly boost your confidence, but also lighten up the atmosphere and make the audience pay attention. I hope these tips help you build stage confidence to speak better in public.