Confidence doesn't mean you are perfect
Session 1
Introduction
to Confidence
Define confidence, master the physical tools of speaking, and deliver your first micro-speech.
10 Minutes
Welcome & The Great
Confidence Mystery
The Goal
Discover what confidence really is—and how we build it.
The Great Confidence Mystery
The Grocery Store Test
Start by asking the group:
- "Raise your hand if you bought a bag of 'Confidence' at the grocery store this morning?"
- "Which aisle was it in? Frozen foods? Cereal?"
- "Is confidence something you can buy? Is it something you are born with? Or is it something you BUILD?"
Clear the Myths
What Confidence is NOT
It doesn't mean you never make a mistake
It doesn't mean you never feel nervous
15 Minutes
The Speaker's Toolkit
Body
Face
Breath
"Your body is your instrument. Warm it up before you play!"
Speaker's Toolkit
Body Stretch
Getting Loose
- Reach for the Sky: "Inhale and reach up as high as you can to the ceiling... now drop down."
- Shoulder Rolls: "Roll your shoulders back. We carry stress in our shoulders - let it go."
- The Shake Out: "Shake out your right hand, left hand. Right foot, left foot. Get the wiggles out!"
Speaker's Toolkit
Face & Voice Yoga
- Silly Faces: "Make your face as BIG as a lion! Now scrunch it as 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 horse sound: Brrrbrrrbrrr. This wakes up your voice."
Speaker's Toolkit
Breathing Control
The Engine
Belly Breathing
"Put one hand on your belly. When we breathe, we want the belly to move OUT, not the shoulders up."
Box Breathing
"Inhale for 4 counts... Hold for 4 counts... Exhale for 4 counts. Feel your belly move."
10 Minutes
Taming the "Fear Monster"
Meet the Fear Monster
The Truth: "Feeling butterflies in your stomach is NORMAL! Even famous people and celebrities get scared before they go on stage."
Fear Monster
Techniques to Tame
the Butterflies
Reframe It
"When you feel that shaky feeling, tell yourself: 'I'm not nervous, I'm EXCITED!'"
Find a Friend
"Look for friendly faces in the audience who are smiling at you. Ignore the grumpy chairs."
Activity
The Power Pose
Instructions: "We are going to stand up and take up space! Put your hands on your hips, chest out, and chin up like a Superhero."
- Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart
- Hands on hips, chest out, chin up
- Hold this pose for 2 minutes
- Feel the confidence growing!
5 Minutes
What's Your Message?
"If your audience could only remember ONE thing from your speech, what would it be?"
Keep it simple. Keep it clear. Say it LOUD!
What's Your Message?
Audience Analysis
"Always ask: Who am I talking to? You talk differently to your best friend than you do to the school principal."
PuppyVS. Principal
The Scenario: Say "Hello" and ask them to sit down
Round 1: Talk to a Puppy
High-pitched, exaggerated, simple words.
"Hiiii buddy! Who's a good boy?! Sit! Siiiit!"
The Scenario: Say "Hello" and ask them to sit down
Round 2: Talk to the Principal
Respectful, lower pitch, formal.
"Good morning. Please, take a seat."
The LessonWe naturally change our voice to fit who is listening. Speaking to an audience is just choosing the right voice!
20 Minutes
Finale: The 30-Second
Spotlight
"We are going to put it all together. You will come to the front, stand in your Power Pose, and speak to us."
30-Second Spotlight
The Prompt
Tell us:
- Your Name
- One thing you are an expert at (Examples: Lego, sleeping, drawing, Minecraft, eating pizza)
30-Second Spotlight
The Rules
- Walk to the center
- Plant your feet (Power Pose)
- Take one deep belly breath
- Deliver your lines LOUDLY
Audience Role"The audience must clap like CRAZY for every single speaker!"
2 Minutes
Closing Circle
Review - What We Learned
Confidence is trusting yourself
Breathing controls the nerves
Power Poses make us brave