Public Speaking for New Leaders: How to Build Confidence & Influence
Why New Leaders Struggle with Public Speaking
Stepping into a leadership role is an exciting milestone, but it often comes with an unexpected challenge—public speaking. The reality of leading meetings, delivering presentations, and addressing teams or stakeholders can feel overwhelming, especially when there’s an assumption that leadership and strong communication skills go hand in hand.
Many new leaders struggle with the pressure of speaking with authority, and the fear of judgment can lead to self-doubt. I’ve worked with professionals who are brilliant at their jobs but feel like impostors when they stand in front of an audience.
Is Public Speaking a Natural Talent or a Learned Skill?
The great news is that public speaking isn’t a natural-born trait—it’s a skill, and like any skill, it can be developed with the right mindset and training. I remember when I first stepped into a position that required me to speak in front of an audience regularly.
While I was confident in my expertise, translating that knowledge into compelling presentations was another story. Through coaching, practice, and feedback, I learned that the ability to communicate with impact is something anyone can develop.
The Impact of Public Speaking on Leadership Success
Your ability to communicate clearly and persuasively plays a huge role in career growth. Leaders who excel at public speaking can influence decisions, build trust, and engage their teams effectively. Research has shown that executives with strong communication skills are more likely to be promoted and viewed as effective leaders.
I once worked with a manager who was incredibly knowledgeable but struggled to engage his audience in meetings. His ideas were brilliant, but they often got lost in long-winded explanations and a lack of structure. Over time, he made a conscious effort to refine his speaking skills—simplifying his message, practicing clarity, and improving his delivery. The transformation was remarkable, and the shift in how people responded to him was proof of the power of strong presentation skills.
How to Say "No" with Confidence (Without Feeling Guilty)
Saying "No" is one of the hardest things to do, especially in a professional setting. But here’s the truth—setting boundaries is not selfish. It’s necessary. The key is to say "No" in a way that is respectful and constructive.
I used to over-explain every time I declined something, as if I needed an airtight excuse. But I’ve learned that a simple, polite "No" is enough. "I appreciate the opportunity, but I can’t take this on right now" is a complete response. If you receive pushback, stay firm. The "broken record" technique—repeating your boundary calmly—can be very effective. "I understand this is important, but I simply don’t have the bandwidth right now" sends a clear message without escalating the situation.
How to Overcome Public Speaking Anxiety
One of the biggest mindset shifts that helped me become a more confident speaker was reframing nervousness as energy. Instead of viewing the adrenaline rush before a speech as a sign of fear, I started seeing it as a tool to enhance my presence. Anxiety and excitement feel almost identical in the body—the racing heart, the heightened awareness—so rather than trying to suppress those feelings, I leaned into them. This small shift in perspective turned my nerves into a source of momentum rather than a hindrance.
Why Feedback is Essential for Improving Speaking Skills
When I first started speaking publicly, I was unaware of my unconscious habits—fidgeting, speaking too fast, or failing to project my voice. It wasn’t until I received external feedback that I was able to recognize and correct these tendencies.
This is why working with a coach, recording yourself, or even practicing in front of a trusted colleague can be game-changing. Many new leaders assume they need to overhaul their entire speaking style, but often, small adjustments—slowing down, using strategic pauses, or maintaining eye contact—can make a massive difference in how a message is received..
The Key to Effective Leadership Communication: Clarity & Structure
Effective public speaking isn’t just about what you say—it’s also about how you say it. Clarity is one of the most valuable skills a leader can develop. I’ve found that the most impactful speakers are those who can distill complex ideas into simple, memorable messages. Early in my career, I had a tendency to over-explain, assuming that more information made for a stronger presentation. In reality, less is often more. A structured approach—introducing a clear message, breaking it down into key points, and reinforcing it with examples—helps audiences absorb and retain information far better than a flood of details.
Mastering Body Language for Leadership Presence
Body language plays a crucial role in how a speaker is perceived. I’ve seen talented professionals undermine their credibility by fidgeting, avoiding eye contact, or using hesitant body language.
When I first started speaking in public, I caught myself pacing too much and using repetitive hand gestures. Being mindful of how I stood, how I moved, and how I used my hands to emphasize key points made a noticeable difference in how I was received. A confident stance, steady eye contact, and purposeful movement convey authority and help establish a connection with an audience.
Vocal Delivery: How to Keep Your Audience Engaged
Another often-overlooked aspect of effective speaking is vocal delivery. A monotonous tone can make even the most exciting content feel dull, while variation in pitch, pace, and volume keeps an audience engaged. I used to rush through my presentations, thinking that speaking quickly would make me sound more knowledgeable. In reality, slowing down, using pauses, and modulating my tone had a much greater impact.
A well-placed pause can create anticipation and allow key points to resonate, while a shift in tone can emphasize important ideas. Practicing vocal control—whether through recording yourself, reading aloud, or working with a coach—can dramatically enhance the way a message is delivered..
Public Speaking is a Skill—And Skills Require Practice
Public speaking is like any other skill—the more you practice, the better you become. I’ve found that consistent practice, whether through rehearsing in front of a mirror, recording speeches, or seeking opportunities to speak in meetings, builds confidence over time. Joining a group like Toastmasters or working with a coach can accelerate progress by providing structured practice and valuable feedback. It’s also important to seek out opportunities to speak, even when it feels uncomfortable. The more you step outside your comfort zone, the more natural public speaking becomes.
How Public Speaking Coaching Can Help You Succeed
One-on-one coaching can be particularly effective for new leaders looking to refine their speaking skills. A tailored approach allows for focused improvement in areas like confidence, storytelling, vocal delivery, and presence.
Unlike generalized training programs, coaching provides personalized strategies based on an individual’s unique strengths and challenges. I’ve worked with professionals who, within just a few sessions, saw dramatic improvements in their ability to communicate with clarity and authority.
Final Thoughts: Leadership and Public Speaking Go Hand-in-Hand
Stepping into a leadership role means stepping into the responsibility of clear and effective communication. It’s not about being the loudest person in the room or delivering a perfect speech every time. It’s about connecting with your audience, articulating your ideas with confidence, and continually refining your skills. Public speaking is not an innate gift—it’s a learned skill that improves with intentional practice and feedback.
If you’re currently navigating the challenge of public speaking in your new leadership role, I encourage you to take the first step. Identify areas you’d like to improve, seek out feedback, and start practicing with intention. If you’re looking for personalized guidance, I’d love to help you refine your skills through one-on-one coaching. Becoming a confident speaker is within reach—it just takes the right approach, a willingness to learn, and the commitment to practice.
Want to Know More?
If you enjoyed this blog post and want to learn more about how Playfully can help you improve your presentation skills and public speaking skills through training, one-to-one coaching sessions or online workshops please visit our website at https://www.playfully.se/ or contact us at hello@playfully.se or +46 (0)761 356 935.
FAQ: Public Speaking for New Leaders – Build Confidence & Influence
1. Why do new leaders often struggle with public speaking?
Many new leaders feel pressure to communicate with authority, but public speaking can be intimidating—especially when leadership is assumed to come with natural confidence. The fear of judgment, self-doubt, and lack of experience in addressing larger audiences can make speaking engagements overwhelming. However, strong communication skills can be developed through practice and training.
2. Is public speaking a natural talent or a learned skill?
Public speaking is a learned skill, not an inherent talent. While some individuals may feel more comfortable speaking in front of others, anyone can become an effective speaker through proper coaching, structured practice, and constructive feedback. Many accomplished speakers started with the same fears and challenges but improved with intentional effort.
3. How does strong public speaking impact leadership success?
Leaders who communicate effectively:
Influence decisions and inspire action.
Build trust and engagement among teams.
Present ideas persuasively to stakeholders and executives.
Advance their careers—leaders with strong presentation skills are often seen as more competent and are more likely to be promoted.
4. What are the best strategies for overcoming public speaking anxiety?
To reduce anxiety and speak with confidence:
Reframe nervousness as excitement—your body’s reaction to fear and enthusiasm is similar, so channel that energy positively.
Practice regularly—the more you expose yourself to speaking opportunities, the more comfortable you become.
Use deep breathing techniques before speaking to calm your nerves.
Prepare, but don’t over-memorize—knowing your key points instead of scripting word-for-word helps you sound natural.
5. How important is feedback in improving public speaking skills?
Feedback is essential for growth. New leaders often have unconscious habits—such as speaking too fast, fidgeting, or avoiding eye contact—that can undermine their message. Recording yourself, practicing in front of a mentor, or working with a coach can help identify areas for improvement and refine your delivery.
6. What are the key elements of effective leadership communication?
Great speakers prioritize clarity and structure in their communication. Leaders should:
Distill complex ideas into simple, clear messages.
Follow a structured approach—introduce key points, explain with supporting details, and conclude with a strong takeaway.
Eliminate unnecessary jargon and focus on concise, meaningful communication.
7. How does body language impact leadership presence?
Your physical presence plays a major role in how your message is received. Confident leaders:
Maintain steady eye contact to establish credibility.
Use purposeful hand gestures to emphasize key points.
Stand with a strong posture—avoid slouching or shifting nervously.
Move intentionally rather than pacing or fidgeting.
8. How can vocal delivery enhance audience engagement?
A monotonous tone can lose your audience, while variation in pitch, pace, and volume keeps them engaged. Effective speakers:
Use pauses strategically to create emphasis and let key points sink in.
Adjust their tone and energy based on the content—enthusiasm for exciting ideas, a measured pace for serious points.
Avoid speaking too fast, which can signal nervousness and make information harder to absorb.
9. How can storytelling make presentations more engaging?
Stories capture attention, create emotional connections, and make information memorable. Instead of listing data or facts, illustrate key points with anecdotes, personal experiences, or case studies. Leaders who use storytelling:
Make their messages relatable to their audience.
Engage listeners emotionally, increasing retention.
Illustrate complex ideas in a way that’s easy to understand.
10. What practical steps can new leaders take to improve their public speaking skills?
Record yourself—watching playback reveals areas for improvement.
Join speaking groups like Toastmasters for structured practice.
Practice in front of trusted colleagues and request feedback.
Seek one-on-one coaching for tailored guidance.
Accept speaking opportunities—the more you do it, the better you get.
11. What role does coaching play in public speaking development?
Public speaking coaching provides personalized strategies based on an individual’s strengths and challenges. Unlike general training programs, coaching helps leaders:
Build confidence and presence on stage.
Develop clearer, more persuasive messaging.
Improve vocal delivery, body language, and storytelling.
Receive real-time feedback and structured improvement plans.
12. How can Playfully help me become a more confident speaker?
At Playfully, we offer:
One-on-one coaching tailored to your communication needs.
Workshops and team training to improve leadership communication.
Online and in-person sessions designed to fit your schedule.
13. How can I get started with public speaking training?
To learn more about how we can help you refine your public speaking skills:
Visit our website: https://www.playfully.se/
Email us: hello@playfully.se
Call us: +46 (0)761 356 935
Follow us on social media for tips and updates.
14. What’s the first step I should take to improve my public speaking?
Start by identifying the biggest challenges you face when speaking. Whether it’s anxiety, structuring your message, or engaging your audience, take one step toward improvement—record yourself, seek feedback, or join a speaking group.
If you’re looking for structured coaching and expert guidance, we’re here to help. Let’s refine your communication skills and elevate your leadership presence!