Intro to Confidence | Young Speakers Academy

What is Confidence?

The Grocery Store Test

Can you buy confidence at the grocery store? Which aisle would it be in - frozen foods? Cereal? Of course not!

Confidence is NOT something you buy or are born with. It's something you BUILD!

What Confidence is NOT

Being perfect all the time
Never making mistakes
Never feeling nervous

What Confidence IS

Confidence is TRUSTING YOURSELF! It's knowing that your voice matters and that it's okay to be exactly who you are.

Quiz: What is confidence?

A Being perfect and never making mistakes

B Trusting yourself and knowing your voice matters

C Never feeling nervous about anything

The Speaker's Toolkit

Body Stretches (Getting Loose)

Reach for the Sky: Inhale and reach up high, then drop down
Shoulder Rolls: Roll your shoulders back - we carry stress there, let it go!
The Shake Out: Shake out your hands and feet to get the wiggles out

Face & Voice Yoga

Silly Faces: Make your face big as a lion, then scrunch it small as a lemon
Jaw Massage: Gently massage your jaw - a tight jaw makes it hard to speak clearly
Lip Rolls: Blow out through your lips making a motorboat sound: Brrrbrrrbrrr

Breathing Control (The Engine)

Belly Breathing

Put one hand on your belly. When you breathe, your belly should move OUT, not your shoulders UP.

Try Box Breathing!

Inhale for 4 counts... Hold for 4 counts... Exhale for 4 counts. Feel your belly move!

Quiz: When doing belly breathing, what should move?

A Your shoulders should go up

B Your head should nod

C Your belly should move out

Taming the "Fear Monster"

Meet the Fear Monster

Feeling butterflies in your stomach is completely normal! Even famous people and celebrities get scared before they go on stage.

Fear is just your body giving you extra energy to do something great! The butterflies aren't bad - we just need to make them fly in formation.

Techniques to Tame the Butterflies

Reframe It: When you feel shaky, tell yourself: "I'm not nervous, I'm EXCITED!"
Find a Friend: Look for friendly faces in the audience who are smiling at you

The Power Pose!

Stand up and take up space! Put your hands on your hips, chest out, and chin up like a Superhero. Hold this pose for 2 minutes - it tricks your brain into feeling brave!

Quiz: What should you do when you feel nervous before speaking?

A Run away and hide

B Tell yourself "I'm not nervous, I'm EXCITED!"

C Close your eyes and pretend nobody is there

Quiz: What is the Power Pose?

A Sitting down with your arms crossed

B Making yourself as small as possible

C Hands on hips, chest out, chin up like a Superhero

What's Your Message?

The Big Idea

If your audience could only remember ONE thing from your speech, what would it be?

Keep it simple. Keep it clear. Say it LOUD!

Know Your Audience

Always ask: Who am I talking to? You talk differently to your best friend than you do to the school principal!

The "Puppy vs. Principal" Game

Talking to a Puppy: High-pitched, exaggerated, simple words. "Hiiii buddy! Who's a good boy?! Sit! Siiiit!"

Talking to the Principal: Respectful, lower pitch, formal. "Good morning, Mr. Johnson. Please, take a seat right here."

Quiz: Why do we change how we speak to different people?

A Because we're being fake

B Because we naturally choose the right voice for who is listening

C Because we don't like some people

Review & Remember

Key Takeaways

Confidence is TRUST - trusting yourself and your voice
Breathing controls the nerves - use belly breathing and box breathing
Power Poses make us brave - stand like a superhero!
Butterflies are ENERGY - make them fly in formation
Keep your message simple - one big idea, said clearly and loud

Your Homework

Notice ONE time this week when you feel nervous, and try turning it into excitement. Tell yourself: "I'm not nervous, I'm EXCITED!"

Final Quiz: Which of these is TRUE about stage fright?

A Only beginners get stage fright

B You should try to never feel nervous

C Even famous people get nervous, and that's okay!

Great Job Reviewing!

Keep practicing your power poses and belly breathing. See you at the next session!

Unlocking Your Superpower: Confidence & Voice