Public Speaking: Speak with Confidence: Why Women in Liverpool Must Own the Room

Women of Liverpool can own the room - with their public speaking and presentation skills

Public speaking is a powerful skill that can open doors in both personal and professional life. Yet, for many women, stepping up to speak in front of an audience can feel daunting. Whether it's delivering a work presentation, leading a meeting, or speaking at an event, confidence is key to making an impact.

Despite their expertise, many women hold back due to self-doubt, fear of judgement, or societal pressures. If you’ve ever felt nervous before speaking or avoided opportunities to present, you’re not alone. But the good news is that confidence in public speaking is not an inborn trait—it’s a skill that can be developed.

What Holds Women Back from Speaking with Confidence?

Public speaking anxiety is common, but women often face unique challenges:

• Imposter Syndrome – Many women feel they need to be overprepared before speaking, doubting their own credibility even when they are highly knowledgeable.

• Social Conditioning – Women are often taught to be accommodating rather than assertive, which can make it difficult to step forward and command attention.

• Fear of Judgement – Worrying about how one’s voice, appearance, or opinions will be received can create hesitation.

• Lack of Role Models – Without enough visible female leaders and speakers, it can be hard to see oneself in that position.

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The good news? These barriers can be overcome with the right mindset, strategies, and practice.

Practical Ways to Build Confidence in Public Speaking

1. Reframe Anxiety as Excitement

Instead of viewing public speaking as a high-stakes challenge, see it as an opportunity to share knowledge and connect with others. Nervousness and excitement feel similar in the body—choose to interpret those feelings as positive energy.

💡 Try This: Before your next presentation, say to yourself: “I’m excited to share this.” This mental shift helps override fear with enthusiasm.

2. Own Your Presence with Body Language

Confident speakers stand tall, use open gestures, and make eye contact. How you carry yourself not only influences how others see you but also how you feel about yourself.

💡 Try This: Before speaking, stand in a power pose—feet shoulder-width apart, hands on your hips, shoulders back. Hold for two minutes to boost confidence.

3. Find Your Natural Speaking Style

You don’t need to imitate anyone else to be effective. Whether your voice is calm and steady or expressive and passionate, own it.

💡 Try This: Record yourself talking about something you love. Listen back and identify what makes you sound authentic—then build on that in your next presentation.

4. Use Pauses to Strengthen Your Message

Many speakers rush through their words to fill silence, but pauses actually make you sound more confident and help your audience absorb your message.

💡 Try This: Read a short passage aloud, pausing for two seconds after each sentence. Practising intentional pauses will help you slow down and speak with more control.

5. Prepare for Flexibility, Not Perfection

While preparation is important, rigidly memorising a script can make you sound unnatural and increase nerves. Instead, focus on structuring your key points and speaking from them.

💡 Try This: Write down your main points, then practice explaining them in different ways. This will help you feel more natural and confident when speaking live.

6. Focus on Connection, Not Perfection

Nerves often stem from worrying about how you’ll be perceived. Shift your attention from yourself to your audience—when you focus on delivering value rather than being flawless, you’ll feel more at ease.

💡 Try This: Before speaking, take a deep breath and ask, “How can I help my audience today?” This shift in mindset can significantly reduce anxiety.

Real Women, Real Transformations

🔹 Samantha, a Liverpool-based business owner, struggled with public speaking for years. After learning to embrace her natural voice and use pauses effectively, she now confidently pitches to clients and speaks at industry events.

🔹 Leanne, a university lecturer, used to dread speaking in front of large groups. By working on her mindset and delivery, she now presents with confidence and engages her audience effortlessly.

Why Coaching Can Help You Fast-Track Your Confidence

While practice is essential, working with a coach can accelerate your progress. Here’s why:

• Tailored Strategies – Every speaker has unique strengths and challenges. A coach provides personalised guidance to build your confidence in a way that works for you.

• Immediate Feedback – A coach helps identify small but powerful tweaks to improve your delivery.

• Support and Accountability – Having someone to guide and encourage you keeps you motivated and on track.

• Real-World Practice – Coaching provides a safe space to practice and refine your skills before important speaking opportunities.

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If you’re a woman in Liverpool looking to strengthen your public speaking skills, now is the time to take action. With the right support and techniques, you can become a speaker who commands attention and leaves a lasting impact.

Take the Next Step

Ready to elevate your speaking skills? I offer tailored coaching designed to help women overcome fear, refine their delivery, and speak with confidence. Whether you're preparing for a big presentation, leading a meeting, or simply want to feel more self-assured in conversations, I can help.

Book a free consultation today and take the first step towards owning your voice.