Does speaking in front of others fill you with dread?
Not everyone feels comfortable standing up and talking in front of others - but it's a useful life skill and can really help you get confidence for things like that first job interview.
So, If the thought of giving a class presentation, or even sharing your ideas in a group discussion brings you out in a cold sweat, never fear!
We spoke to Charlotte Lewis, who has helped others find their voice - whether on stage, or social media - and she shared her five top tips for boosting your confidence in public speaking.
1. Repeat after me: "Nerves are normal!"
Fear of public speaking is rooted in ancient survival instincts. When we feel 'on show' our fight/flight response fires up, so don't be too hard on yourself if your palms sweat or your heart races. It's thousands of years old!
Try reframing 'nerves' as 'readiness', as if the body’s charging up its energy to help prepare us to do our absolute best because it matters.
2. Create your own 'speaking simulator'
Rehearsing might feel ‘cringe’, but I promise it makes a huge difference. Your brain barely distinguishes between real and imagined experiences, so practising your presentation on a dog walk, in front of friends, or even just muttering it to yourself all counts.
Each rehearsal teaches your brain that it can survive (even if you feel nervous or stumble over some words!). Think of it like a pilot's flight simulator: they don’t practise in a plane, they rehearse in a simulator, so that when the real moment arrives, it already feels familiar.
3. Wear the crown, cloak & dragon tail
Not literally! But imagine balancing a crown on your head, a heavy cloak on your shoulders, and a dragon's tail growing from your tailbone. Notice what happens: your neck lengthens, your eyes lift, your shoulders roll back and your posture grounds. Slumping, with arms folded, makes it harder for your audience to connect with you and often hear you. Standing a little more open will let them in.
4. Clench your butt!
This might sound like the weirdest tip so far, but if you suffer from a shaky voice or hands, trust me, it works! The shakes come from adrenaline (that pesky fight/flight response again). But if we clench the biggest muscles in the body, the adrenaline is redirected, and the hands and voice get steadier.
5. Make a 'confidence capsule'
Confidence isn't something you simply have; it grows through action. You're confident in tying your shoes because you've done it hundreds of times. Start a jar, a notes app, or a journal where you write every speaking action you took: ordering for yourself at a restaurant, talking to someone new, speaking up in class.
These are the building blocks. Write them down so you can start seeing the evidence of your action, growing trust in yourself as a confident speaker.
Here are some tips for how to boost your confidence
This article was published in June 2026
If you need support
You should always tell someone about the things you’re worried about. You can tell a friend, parent, guardian, teacher, or another trusted adult. If you're struggling with your mental health, going to your GP can be a good place to start to find help. Your GP can let you know what support is available to you, suggest different types of treatment and offer regular check-ups to see how you’re doing.
If you’re in need of in-the-moment support you can contact Childline, where you can speak to a counsellor. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are more links to helpful organisations on the BBC Bitesize Action Line page for young people.
