How to Speak with Confidence: A Practical Guide for Professionals
Why Confident Communication Matters
You can be smart, experienced, and full of ideas. But if you can’t speak with confidence, people won’t fully see your value.
This is something I see all the time in my communication coaching work with professionals across France and Spain. A marketing director who avoids speaking up in meetings. A team leader who feels invisible during international calls. A consultant who knows her stuff — but still doubts her voice. These people don’t need another grammar course. They need to feel calm, clear, and in control when they speak.
And that’s what confident communication is about.
Ready to improve your voice, message and confidence? Send me a message — let’s talk. 📧
What It Means to Speak with Confidence
To speak with confidence in English doesn’t mean speaking fast or using fancy words. It means:
✅ Speaking clearly and with purpose
✅ Owning your message — even if you make mistakes
✅ Feeling connected to your voice and body
✅ Being focused on what you say, not just how perfect it sounds
Confident speakers sound natural, grounded, and present. And guess what? That’s a skill — not a personality trait.
The Real Cost of Low Speaking Confidence
If you’re constantly:
❌ Hesitating or apologizing when you speak
❌ Avoiding opportunities to present or contribute
❌ Overthinking grammar or pronunciation
❌ Comparing yourself to native speakers
…it’s likely blocking your career growth and personal confidence.
Many professionals I work with already speak good English — but they don’t sound confident. And that creates misunderstandings about their expertise, their leadership, or even their readiness for new opportunities.
Feel like your communication is holding you back? Let’s talk — book a free consultation.
What’s Blocking Your Speaking Confidence? 🤔
Let’s be honest: it’s not just about English.
Low speaking confidence often comes from a mix of:
Past bad experiences (interruptions, being laughed at, freezing during a talk)
Perfectionism or self-criticism
Lack of feedback or support
Negative self-talk: “My English isn’t good enough”
This is why I combine fluency training with communication coaching. We don’t just practice English — we build emotional tools, mindset shifts, and strategic speaking habits that actually work in real situations.
💡 5 coaching Tips to help you Speak with Confidence
These are techniques I use every week with my clients. You can start using them right now.
1. Use Your Body Before You Use Your Voice
Before any high-pressure speaking moment — stand up, stretch your arms wide, and take 3 deep breaths.
This relaxes your nervous system and signals safety, which makes your voice steadier and your brain calmer.
2. Create Low-Stakes Speaking Moments Daily
Confidence grows through regular, low-pressure practice.
Watch a short English video and repeat one sentence. Record yourself describing your day. These small moments make English part of your everyday identity — not something to “perform.”
3. Shift Your Attention to Your Message
Nervous speakers often think: “How do I sound?”
Confident speakers think: “What’s the most important thing I want to share?”
Focus on your listener, your message, your purpose. You’ll speak with more ease and clarity.
4. Think in English (Even for 30 Seconds)
Instead of translating, start narrating your actions in English during simple tasks (making tea, checking emails).
This helps your brain process English directly, reducing hesitation when you speak.
5. Use the “Confidence Anchor” Technique
Remember a time you felt proud of your communication — in any language. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and reconnect with that feeling before a meeting or call.
It’s a mental and emotional reset that helps you speak from strength, not fear.
🪞 Bonus Exercise: The Mirror Technique 🔥
Speak to yourself in English for 2 minutes a day in front of a mirror.
Use natural gestures. Maintain eye contact. Talk about your goals or your day.
This builds physical awareness, vocal control, and self-connection — key components of speaking with confidence.
🚀 Want Help Becoming a More Confident Speaker?
If you’re tired of feeling invisible when you speak — or you want to prepare for high-stakes situations like meetings, presentations, or interviews — I can help.
I offer personalized communication coaching to help non-native professionals speak clearly, confidently, and with impact.
✅ Book a free consultation
✅ Or message me directly — I’ll be happy to listen
You don’t need to be perfect to be powerful. You just need to start showing up as you — with confidence.
Let’s work on your voice, together.
— Pierre Austin
