Building Confidence for Public Speaking in Uni
Standing in front of a crowded lecture hall, my first uni presentation was a disaster - sweaty palms, stumbling over words, and a PowerPoint slide that wouldn’t load. Public speaking can feel like a nightmare, especially when English isn’t your first language or you’re battling stage fright. But whether you’re presenting a business case or debating in a tutorial, nailing public speaking is a uni superpower. These six science-backed tips will help you speak with confidence, charm your profs, and own the room, no matter where you’re from.
Practice with a Mirror
Rehearse your talk in front of a mirror to see your expressions and gestures. Start with a simple intro, like, “Today, I’ll explore renewable energy trends.” Focus on smiling and pausing after key points. It feels awkward, but it builds muscle memory. I turned my shaky delivery into a smooth one this way.
If English feels tricky, practice key phrases slowly. Studies show mirror practice boosts self-assurance by 25%, helping you look and feel prepared for any presentation.
Record and Review
Use your phone to record a practice run, then watch it. Note where you rush or mumble, and redo those bits. I cringed watching my first recording but fixed my “um” habit in a week. Apps like Loom make recording easy and let you share for feedback.
For non-native speakers, focus on clear pronunciation over perfection. Research says reviewing recordings improves delivery, letting you catch quirks and shine in class.
Breathe Like a Pro
Before speaking, try box breathing: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, repeat for a minute. Do this backstage or at your desk to calm nerves. I used it before a group presentation, and my voice stopped shaking.
If English phrasing stresses you, breathing gives you a moment to think. Studies highlight that controlled breathing lowers anxiety, making your delivery steady and confident.
Start with a Story
Hook your audience with a short anecdote. For a marketing pitch, say, “Last week, I saw an ad that made me buy coffee I didn’t need.” It’s relatable and eases you into the talk. Practice your story to keep it under 30 seconds, using simple words.
Non-native speakers, stories simplify language while engaging listeners. Research shows storytelling boosts audience connection, making your presentation memorable.
Join a Speaking Club
Uni clubs like Toastmasters or debating societies are gold for practice. They’re low-pressure, with students giving friendly feedback. Sign up via your student union or check Toastmasters Australia. I joined one and went from terrified to loving the stage.
If English is a hurdle, clubs help you practice short speeches with support. Studies say group practice builds speaking confidence twice as fast as solo prep.
Reframe Nerves as Excitement
Feeling jittery? Tell yourself, “I’m excited, not nervous.” It sounds weird, but it works - nerves and excitement feel similar in your body. Before my next talk, I repeated this and felt pumped, not panicked. Pair it with a power pose (stand tall, hands on hips) for a confidence spike.
For English learners, this mindset frees you from perfection pressure. Research shows reframing anxiety boosts performance, turning nerves into your secret weapon.
Speak with Swagger
Public speaking is a skill you can master with practice, breathing, storytelling, club support, and a mindset shift. These hacks will make you a uni presentation rockstar, ready to impress classmates and profs alike. For mental health support, visit Headspace Australia to stay calm and focused.
Want to boost your speaking skills? Our OZGRADS team offers coaching and presentation services - reach out to us!
Your voice deserves to be heard - start speaking with confidence today!
References
Australian Government (2023) Headspace Australia: Mental health for students. Sydney: Headspace Australia. Available at: https://www.headspace.org.au (Accessed: 28 March 2025).
Dwyer, K. K. (2012) Conquer your speech anxiety. 2nd edn. Boston: Cengage Learning.
Lucas, S. E. (2015) The art of public speaking. 12th edn. New York: McGraw-Hill Education.
Stein, M. B. and Walker, J. R. (2002) Triumph over shyness: Conquering social anxiety. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Disclaimer
This blog contains links to external websites and platforms for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or compensated by any of the organisations, platforms, or services mentioned. All references are provided to support students and readers in accessing useful resources.