How to Teach Children Self-Esteem

Children who have high self-esteem think positively about themselves, and are able to deal with disappointment and failure better than children with low self-esteem. Scientists have found that children with low self-esteem are more likely than kids with high self-esteem to develop depression and substance abuse later in life. Children form opinions about their self-worth from watching the adults around them, especially their parents, when they are as young as a year old.

Instructions

1 To help your child develop good self-esteem, create a loving and safe home environment. A child starts developing her self-esteem and sense of self at a very young age when her family is her entire world, therefore creating a secure home life is essential. Parents should not fight in front of children, and all family members should strive to communicate positively and avoid name-calling or other insults.
2 Adults need to model positive behavior for children. Most children look up to their parents as their first role models. Be aware of what you say about yourself and others around your child. Don't criticize your appearance or the child will put too much value on physical attractiveness. Be positive about yourself and your accomplishments.
3 Be encouraging and affectionate. Tell him frequently how wonderful you think he is. Compliment him on being kind to other children or working hard on his homework. Include supportive notes in his lunch. Hug him and tell him you love him every day. Even if he rolls his eyes or resists, he will notice all these gestures and feel loved and special.
4 Redirect inaccurate or negative beliefs that the child expresses. If she says "I failed the test. I'm stupid," say "No. You're a great student and you studied really hard. This subject is hard. What can we do to help you understand it?" Focus on the effort the child made rather than the result, to help her learn to value the hard work she puts into a task rather than the outcome.
5 Teach the child to deal with failure. If he doesn't get a solo in the choir or misses a word on a spelling test, use the opportunity to explain that it's normal to not be perfect, and that not everyone can get chosen for everything. Remind him that most of the other children in the choir didn't get the solo either, and that's okay. Let him know you think he's a talented singer, and that you're proud of how hard he practiced. If he's really devastated, take him out for ice cream or a movie so he won't be able to sit around obsessing about his failure.
6 Give the child some responsibility. Make it her job to feed the dog every night, or to get herself up and dressed for school every morning without your waking her up. Praise her for being able to do these things without reminders. She'll be proud that she is doing something important without needing help.
7 Get the child involved in activities that interest her. Playing a team sport or learning to play an instrument will help her make friends and show her that she can be an important member of a team. Remind her again before a game or concert that it's okay if she makes a mistake or if the team loses. She should be ready to shrug off failures as a regular part of life, and move on to the next challenge.

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How to be More Assertive and Confident

Self-confidence and assertiveness are necessary qualities for individuals seeking to maximize their success and happiness in life. Being shy, timid, and anxious can often prevent the attainment of life goals and impede personal success and happiness. Learning to be more confident and assertive can empower a person and give him/her the skills necessary to achieve and be happy. Read on to learn tips on how to become more confident and assertive.

Instructions

1 Be Yourself
But be yourself with confidence. Many people feel as if they have to change who they are in order to be confident, assertive, and self-assured. You are a unique person with unique talents, gifts, and abilities. Your worth as a human being is unquestionable; be yourself, but be a self-confident and assertive you!
2 Live in the Present
Forget how timid, shy, and self-conscious you used to be. Forget about your past hurts, insults, or problems. You are alive in the here and now. Your self-confidence and ability to be assertive are alive and well and intact in the present. Dwelling on the past is damaging to self-confidence and self-esteem and is a huge impediment to personal growth!
3 Meditate Regularly
Meditate and visualize yourself acting and feeling self-confident, assertive, and powerful. The mind is very powerful and can be used to break through blocks and barriers that have been holding you back. Breathe deeply and slowly as you visualize yourself steam rolling over your fears and insecurities and gaining extreme self-confidence.
4 Counter Negative Thoughts
Make a habit of catching negative, hurtful thoughts about yourself that pop into your mind and countering them with positive, healthy thoughts. A lack of self-confidence and assertiveness are fed by a constant supply of negative, often times irrational thoughts. To raise self-confidence and to become more assertive, catch your negative thoughts and counter them with positive thoughts.
5 Model Others' Behavior
Without changing who you are as a person, model the behaviors of confident, assertive people whom you admire or are impressed by. Modeling positive behavior is EXTREMELY effective at producing positive change and growth. Become an actor and adopt those confident and assertive behaviors that you covet: mannerisms, voice inflection, posture, approach, etc.

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How to Raise Self Confidence in Boys

Boys are taught to be strong from a young age. Showing emotions is considered a sign of weakness. At an early age boys are taught that men don't cry. Boys are taught to suppress their feelings but are not given the proper tools to handle them. This can cause boys to feel isolated and as though they have no one who can understand them. Feelings of isolation may cause low self-esteem and can lead to disruptive behavior in order to fit in. It is important to instill self-confidence in boys so they will become emotionally healthy men.

Instructions

1 Make yourself available. Let them know you are someone who will listen without judgment. Because boys are taught to keep emotions inside, they may harbor fear of rejection if they express how they are feeling. Knowing they have someone who is willing to listen and not laugh at them can do wonders for their confidence.
2 Teach boys how to deal with their emotions. Let them know that it is OK to express emotion. It is good for boys to witness the men in their lives express their feelings. It gives them permission to do the same. During times of high stress or grief, such as during a funeral, boys may become confused if they see the men around them acting as if they are unaffected by the circumstance. Exhibiting healthy levels of emotion at appropriate times reinforces the idea that having these emotions is normal.
3 Encourage their interests. This does not necessarily mean that they have to be good at sports. In fact, if they are not athletically inclined and are chastised for it, this can crush their confidence. Help boys discover what they are good at and encourage them to pursue their interests whether it is science, writing or dancing. Teach them to appreciate their unique talents and capabilities. This will make them feel like a valuable asset to the world no matter what their interests.

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How to Promote Self-Confidence in Clinical Nursing Students

Most beginning clinical nursing students are apprehensive about their newly chosen career and the sometimes life-altering decisions it requires. It is up to educators to build lasting self-confidence in these students that they will possess throughout their nursing career. The best way for instructors to promote self-confidence in clinical nursing students is by imparting the knowledge needed to complete the job correctly, helping students as they apply that knowledge, and supporting students despite mistakes.

Instructions

1
Lead by example and demonstrate self-confidence as well as show mastery of clinical nursing concepts.
2
Understand students' learning styles and use activities such as simulation and observation to enhance student experience.
3
Be sensitive to students' needs to help them gain self-confidence. Show them support inside and even outside the classroom to help ease the transition from the classroom into the work environment.
4 Test students frequently so they know they can perform under pressure and remember their skills without hesitation.
5 Prove to students that they have the knowledge they need by allowing them to apply their skills in real, but carefully supervised, situations.

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The Signs of Low Self-Esteem in Men When Dating

Self-esteem is the belief an individual holds about his worth as a person. Self-confidence, on the other hand, is the belief he has in his abilities. Low self-esteem can impact a relationship regardless of time together or perceived compatibility. Engaging in a relationship with a partner who has low self-esteem can damage both partners, creating mental anguish and possibly abuse.

Ideas of Self

An individual with low self-esteem will constantly berate himself about his appearance or skill set, according to Joseph M. Carver, Ph.D. in his article "Are You Dating a Loser?" A man with low self-esteem appears as though he always must be in charge. He believes that his opinions are right and is quick to provocation regardless of circumstances. There is a tendency to feel as though everyone is against him or that he has been dealt a bad hand and is at the whim of the world. Often the partner in such a relationship bears the brunt of the man's skewed view of the world, becoming the center point for every problem that arises.

Ideas of Others

An individual with low self-esteem in a relationship will view everyone as an enemy or at least a potential thorn in both the relationship and plans for the future. In his attempt to eliminate support systems for his partner, he alienates family and friends and makes it seem like they are problems.
When telling stories about past relationships, he makes it appear that the other person was always wrong or caused the breakup. Whether there was infidelity, abuse or simply a clashing of personality in his past relationships, he blames it on the other person.

Emotions

Prepare for an emotional roller-coaster, because men with low self-esteem fluctuate between being kind and being mean. Quick to bouts of anger and apology, these individuals will always feel as though a fight is about to happen or that breaking up is imminent regardless of the circumstances. Flying off the handle at the slightest of disagreements, these men become raging volcanoes of irrationality.

Abuse

Often the verbal and mental abuse that the man with low self-esteem inflicts on his partner is a result of his not being equipped to have a complete, rational connection with another person. He acts impulsively to harm the other person because he is projecting his own insecurities and inadequacies on his partner.

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How to Address Self-Esteem in the Classroom

Self-esteem affects a student's classroom performance. Students with low self-esteem may have reduced desire to learn, difficulty focusing and be less likely to take risks. One of the building blocks for success in the classroom, positive self-esteem helps students face the challenges of learning. Teachers can nurture their students' self-esteem in several ways.

Instructions

1 Tell the student specifically what you like about his performance, as he may dismiss general praise as insincere. Use concrete examples of progress, such as comparing an earlier paper with a later paper that shows improvement so the student can appreciate his growth.
2 Avoid comparing students or posting grades. Encourage students to evaluate their performance based on their own goals or past performance rather than comparing themselves to others.
3 Help the student who is having academic difficulties understand that failure is part of the learning process and a normal part of life. For example, you might share that Lincoln lost seven elections before he was elected president. Help the student develop strategies to succeed and express confidence that you believe she will be successful.
4 Talk to each student about his hobbies or interests. Suggest ways she can get more involved in activities she likes. Encourage the student's sense of belonging by getting him involved with group activities or pairing him for an assignment with another friendly, helpful student.
5 When addressing misbehavior, make clear that the behavior is unacceptable but that the student is valued and accepted. If possible, deal with discipline issues privately. Let all the students know they are entitled to their feelings but their behavior must take others into consideration.
6 Send a note home to a student's parents to praise something noteworthy he did and let him know you're doing it. This will make the student and parents both feel good and encourage good relations between them.

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How to Build Self Confidence in a Child

Your child's mental health and social success depend on her self-confidence, according to AskDrSears.com. What you do now, to build your child's self-confidence, will last a lifetime. This is important because there is a connection between how we feel about ourselves and how we act. If your child is confident, she will likely be happier and more adept in social situations. If you have influence over a child, you can positively impact her self-confidence and help shape her into the person she will ultimately become.

Instructions

1 Teach your child, from infancy if possible, that he can trust and rely upon you to meet his needs. When he cries, respond by taking care of him as quickly as possible. This will help him realize a sense of self-worth because his caregiver responds to his needs. A child who cries and doesn't get a predictable response, most of the time, will become disheartened and have diminished self-worth.
2 Praise your child for her daily accomplishments, no matter how small. If she behaves appropriately on an outing, tell her you noticed and how pleased you are. If she picks up her trash and throws it away without being asked, thank her for doing her part to keep things clean. The more you praise your child for her actions, the more confident she will become.
3 Follow your child's lead when it comes to play. Carve out time each day to play with your child. Allow him to choose what to do, and participate. This will help him gain self-confidence, because he believes you like to do something that he enjoys. Even if you find the activity tiresome, participate with enthusiasm and interject your own variations as you play to create interest.
4 Address your child by her name and teach her to address others by name. Children with higher self-confidence frequently address their peers or elders by name or title, according to AskDrSears.com.
5 Avoid labeling your child due to his habits. Labeling a child as "lazy" or "sloppy" can set the stage for your child to believe that's who she is. This diminishes self-confidence. Instead of labeling, teach your child ways to combat bad habits.
6 Give your child responsibilities in which he can realize success. Think of an age-appropriate task you can assign to him that he can complete without your help. This will aid him in realizing that he is capable of accomplishing things on his own. Make sure to praise him for a job well done, each time.
7 Listen to your child. Encourage her to express her feelings to you. Do not judge. Instead, offer helpful alternatives for a problem she is having, so she will have the confidence to attempt to solve it on her own.

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How to Encourage Self Confidence

Self-confidence comes from believing that you are strong, valuable and capable. People who exhibit this trait are sure of themselves, unaffected by the opinions of others, and unafraid to take risks. A lack of self-confidence can begin in childhood, especially for girls, and remain throughout their lives. But that does not mean you must remain stuck in a lack of confidence. New behaviors can be learned at any age, allowing you to become more confident in your abilities and contribution to the world.

Instructions

1 Set and meet new goals. The goal can range from taking up a new hobby, trying out for a sports team, learning a musical instrument, or reading a difficult book. The idea is to try something new -- aiming not for perfection, but for completing the task. You can feel proud of learning something new. This builds confidence and will inspire you to tackle the next goal.
2 Help someone else who is less fortunate than you, or in need of your skills. Doing so allows you to think of others, taking the focus off your own perceived inadequacies -- and it helps you build confidence in the abilities you do have. Volunteer for an organization such as a soup kitchen, nursing home or pet shelter. Tutor a younger child. Bake cookies and take them to an elderly neighbor. Send an encouraging card or call someone who is going through a difficult time and offer words of encouragement to them.
3 Look for positive role models to encourage you to try harder. History is full of men and women who overcame difficult obstacles in life to achieve their goals. Many athletes exhibit determination and persistence. Numerous leaders model character and integrity. And people in your own community can offer encouragement through their actions. Allow yourself to be mentored by others, whether through reading about their lives or watching them in action.
4 Practice being assertive. Assertion is expressed through body language -- such as making eye contact with others, standing up straight rather than slouching, giving firm handshakes, and not crossing your arms across your body. It can also be expressed through the use of proper facial expressions. For example, do not smile to hide that you are upset if the situation warrants expressing your true feelings. Run through scenarios that normally make you uncomfortable, practicing assertive body language and facial expressions either in a mirror, or with someone you trust that can provide feedback and encouragement.
5 Develop healthy friendships with people who are trustworthy and interested in communicating and sharing equally with you. Spend time with the positive people already in your life, getting to know them better, if possible. Developing deeper friendships take time, but you can make it a priority to meet others with common interests -- join a club, find a church, take up a new hobby, or volunteer for a charity. Ask other people about themselves, and truly listen. Look for others who do the same for you -- healthy relationships cannot be one-sided.

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What Are the Causes of Low Self Esteem in Children?

Self-esteem is the opinion each person has of himself and his value as a person. Self-esteem is established over the course of a person's life, but during childhood a number of situations can negatively affect a child's self-esteem. Poor self-esteem in childhood carries over into the teenage years and adulthood, and can lead to poor choices such as drug use, abuse and bad relationships.

Abuse in the Home

The way a child is treated at home has a large impact on the development of his self-esteem. If a child is abused by his parents, either physically or emotionally, he will feel as though he is worthless and deserves to be treated poorly. Parents who physically abuse their children set them up for low self-esteem and increased chances of the child growing up and getting into relationships in which they are abused or abuse others. Parents who call their children names and yell at the all the time give their children the message that they are unimportant or unlovable.
Children who are neglected also struggle with their self-esteem. Parental neglect can lead kids to feel as though they are not important and are not worth their parents' time. They may feel as though they have nobody to trust and turn their negative feelings inward, blaming themselves for the way their parents act.

Poor School Experiences

A child's experience in school can also negatively affect her self-esteem. If a child is bullied by peers, she will learn that other people can be very hurtful, and she may feel as though it is her fault, especially if nobody stands up for her. Teachers who are cruel or call students names may also make children feel as though they are unimportant or that the names they are called are true.

Learning Difficulties

Learning disabilities can greatly contribute to a child's poor self-esteem. If a child's learning disabilities are not given attention or are ridiculed, he may begin to feel as though he is stupid and struggle to overcome his disability. As a result of a lack of achievement in school, the child may be looked down upon by peers, teachers and parents, further lowering the child's self-esteem.

High Parental Expectations

High expectations from parents can also play a role in a child developing low self-esteem. A child in this situation may feel as though she is never good enough for her parents and has to keep working to make herself live up to their standards. When the child fails to meet her parents' expectations, she will feel negatively about herself and learn to expect negative consequences from her parents. This is especially harmful in children who struggle with learning and don't receive the appropriate help and support.

Lack of Hobbies and Extracurricular Activities

Children need to succeed in hobbies and extracurricular activities to feel good about themselves. When kids are not given these opportunities to succeed in something that they enjoy, they are faced with feelings of failure and boredom. They may develop low self-esteem and poor self-image, leading them to turn to harmful behaviors to gain some control and focus in their lives. It has been shown that children have higher self-esteem and are less likely to turn to bad behavior when they have hobbies outside of school.

Overprotective Parents

Overprotective parents may unknowingly lead their child toward having poor self-esteem. This is due to the child not being able to experience life for himself, and having to always rely on his parents to do everything for him. While overprotective parents may mean well, their child may grow to feel like he is not able to care for himself and isn't worthwhile as an individual.

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How to Overcome a Crisis in Self-Confidence

Self-confidence can be shaken by stressful events in everyday life: losing a job, rejection, breaking up with a partner, or even for no apparent reason. By learning how to improve self-esteem, it can be easier to cope with a knock of self-confidence, and the negative experiences in life.

Achievements

If you find yourself suffering from a sudden crisis of self-confidence, spend a few minutes listing some accomplishments or achievements in your life, whether small or large. Think about how important that achievement was to you, what it meant for you to achieve it, and how it made you feel. Try to remember how far you have come in your life, and all you have overcome and achieved.

Comparisons

Try not to compare yourself to others. Just because someone else has more than you, or seems to have less stress and fewer problems than you, it doesn't mean that person doesn't have his or her fair share of stress. Everybody is different. You may never make as much money or be as slim or as popular as someone else, but that doesn't mean you aren't worthy of confidence and high self-esteem.

Acceptance

Learn to accept yourself for who and what you are. Learn the difference between what you can change and what you can't, and accept those things you can't change. Write a list of all the things you like about yourself, and use this to give yourself a self-confidence boost when you need it.

Goal Setting

Set yourself a small and easily achievable goal, then give yourself a reasonable time limit in which to complete it. Start working to achieve the goal immediately. Instead of focusing on huge goals, the things that seem nearly impossible, use small goals as stepping stones to reach the final goal. For example, if you want to lose weight, set a goal of seven pounds and achieve that, rather than 40 pounds, which may seem impossible. By achieving small goals, you may find your self-confidence increasing.

Solutions

Instead of focusing on your problems, focus on the solutions. How can you change events in your life? Try to come up with things you can do to make life better. Create a list of what might make you feel better about yourself, and try to find positives in every negative situation. For example, if you lose your job, see it as an opportunity to get a better one.

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How to Build Self Esteem in Teenagers

The teenage years can be a turbulent time. Teens go through many changes during this time of their life. Factors such as hormones, moods and peer pressure can often influence a teen's decisions. As a result, teens may make bad decisions, resulting in undesirable behavior and constant negativity. Having a strong sense of self-esteem means you have pride in yourself and in what you do. Teens that have self-esteem are filled with confidence and determination can make the the right choices in life and become well-adjusted adults. According to Dr.Joe Rubino, an internationally acclaimed author on self-esteem, having positive self esteem is very important in one's life and can help you achieve great success.

Instructions

1 Always be generous with praise. Look for instances when your teen has accomplished a new task, displayed a new talent, acted selflessly, or has demonstrated positive character aspects. Praising a teen for a job well done fosters his independence and encourages him to think positive because he knows he is doing a good job.
2 Consider positive self statements. Have your teen verbally say good things about himself. Point out your teen's strengths, such as sports that he is good at or subjects he has a strong knowledge of. Reinforce them when he encounters negativity and assist your child in taking pride in his own accomplishments. The ability to identify positive things about himself is an important part of building a healthy self-esteem.
3 Avoid harsh criticism. A certain level of criticism is okay but don't overdo it to the point where you're putting your teen down as he needs proper guidance. Help your teen learn from his mistakes. Give them constructive criticism when they attempt to resolve the issue because they are taking responsibility and learning from it. When dealing with mistakes, assist your teen in identifying the problem and then brainstorm solutions together. Allowing your teen to brainstorm with you will build his confidence and push him to become more involved in making positive changes in his life.
4 Allow your teen to make decisions on her own. Praise good decisions but also allow them to take ownership of their own mistakes so they can learn from it. Don't always solve their problems for them, as they will always depend on you when something goes wrong. Try some decision-making skill exercise such as making a list and weighing the consequences of each outcome. Letting your teen make his own choices promotes self esteem because it empowers him and builds up his self confidence.
5 Show your teen that it is okay to make mistakes and it is sometimes best to laugh at mistakes. At times, it's better to find humor than to focus on the negativity that surrounds a wrongdoing. This will prevent your teen from dwelling on her mistakes and allow her to move forward and achieve success in where she went wrong.
6 Have your teen set realistic goals, while encouraging her and praising her for achieving these goals. Assist your teen in reaching goals which she can fulfill. Reaching her goals will foster a sense of accomplishment. Your teen also learns that nothing is impossible if she just tries.

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Signs of Low Self-Esteem in Women

Self-esteem is the feeling of being worthy, deserving, and confident. So many women wake up every morning without that. They go through their daily activities without any joy. These women often don't take care of themselves; many times, they even place themselves in unhealthy or dangerous relationships or situations. Low self-esteem usually begins in childhood and is nurtured throughout life. There is hope out there and resources are available for women to lead a happy, worthy life.

Definition of Self-Esteem

According to Nathaniel Branden, a renowned psychotherapist best known for his work with self-esteem, self-esteem is defined as "the experience of being competent to cope with the basic challenges of life and being worthy of happiness." Self-esteem can also be referred to as self-worth and self-image.

Low Self-Esteem in Women

Women are particularly vulnerable to low self-esteem. They strive to establish their place in a "man's world" in business, while at the same time trying to balance a career with family and household responsibilities. They strive to work on their physical image, feeling pressure to be thin and fit and look like a Hollywood starlet. Low self-esteem almost always starts in childhood.

Emotional Effects of Low Self-Esteem in Women

Low self-esteem combines beliefs with emotions. As a person believes she is not worthy, she experiences the emotions that those beliefs inflict. Depression, anxiety, restlessness, overeating, undereating, insomnia, lack of physical activity, perhaps even suicidal or self-destructive thoughts or actions come into play. A woman with low self-esteem may feel that she doesn't even deserve to live.

Physical Effects of Low Self-Esteem in Women

Low self-esteem can exert physical symptoms or conditions on the woman. As she doesn't take proper care of herself, she may not regularly visit a physician, get mammograms or pap smears, or exercise and eat healthy foods. She may become obese or anorexic. The lack of physical care can lead to undetected conditions, such as cancer, or can cause health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or malnutrition.

Effects on Relationships

A woman's low self-esteem can affect every relationship she has. She may feel unworthy as a daughter, feeling she let her parents down by not being as successful, smart, or popular as a sibling, or to the same degree that she feels her parents think she should be. As a wife, she may not feel pretty enough, thin enough, or sexually attractive enough. She may even marry someone who is mentally or physically abusive, as she feels she doesn't deserve more. As a parent herself, she may have difficulty being a strict disciplinarian. In friendships, she may not pursue any relationships, causing her to feel more isolated. She may be a pushover and be unable to say no. She may develop relationships with people who take advantage of her vulnerability.

Treatment

Psychotherapy is very important to not only help a woman deal with low self-esteem, but also to uncover the reasons why she has low self-esteem. It's hard to fix a problem if you don't know what's causing it. Many times, a woman's unresolved childhood trauma (or a loved one's trauma) from emotional, physical, or sexual abuse needs to be addressed. A trained therapist and support group are of utmost importance. Learning to take care of herself physically will also help create feelings of self-worth. Exercising releases endorphins that enhance feelings of well-being and mood. Surrounding herself with positive energy--at work, at home, and in relationships--will replace negative thoughts with confidence and hope.

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How to Boost Your Self-Confidence in 6 Easy Ways

When your self-confidence is high you are more likely to achieve your goals in life, whatever they may be. Ultimately, this will make you happier and make you feel better about yourself. Work on building your self-confidence if you struggle with esteem issues.

Instructions

1 Focus on the good in yourself. Everyone has some things in their life that they have accomplished -- whether it's graduating from high school, getting a job, or buying your own car. Start focusing on the good things that you have done in your life. This will remind you that you are a competent person and capable of achieving things.
2 Exercise to make you feel physically powerful and to give you a renewed sense of self-worth. Exercise also relieves stress and allows you to relax. Relaxation is essential to your self-confidence because it helps you to think more clearly.
3 Live in the moment so that you're not focusing on what could or could not happen tomorrow or even in the next hour. Living in the moment allows you to focus on what's going on right then and there and nothing else. There is a sense of freedom and liberation in living like this, which is great for your self-confidence.
4 Do something you're good at, as this is an instant self-confidence booster. It doesn't matter if it's cleaning a room, washing a car or organizing a junk drawer. Everyone has something that they're good at. You will get an immediate sense of accomplishment during and after this task.
5 Dress nicely. Grooming yourself well is always helpful in boosting your self-confidence. This helps you to feel attractive and powerful. This is something that can be done every day to remind yourself that you are worthy, and it can help you to feel stronger about your presence in the world. This doesn't necessarily mean dressing up. It just means looking clean, stylish and well-groomed.
6 Do something good for others. Take the focus off yourself. A lot of times people spend too much time thinking about themselves and what they have or don't have. Doing something for others will help your self-confidence by letting you know that you are capable of making a difference in someone else's life. A lot of times it will also show you that your life is not as bad as it seems.

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How to Develop Self-Confidence & Influence People by Public Speaking

Public speaking is your opportunity to persuade an audience to agree with your perspective on an issue of concern. An effective public speaker blends a fluent, cohesive speaking style with substantive arguments involving the facts of the topic, the moral implications of the topic and the personal connection between you and the topic. By developing a confident speaking technique and preparing a speech built to influence an audience, you can influence crowds and help others understand the issues about which you care.

Instructions

1 Believe in your topic and develop a comprehensive understanding of it. Research links between your topic and the audience, such as past efforts of the audience to support the topic or past problems the audience faced as a result of the topic. Use the research you do for the topic as a confidence-building technique, as speakers who speak on topics they understand and appreciate are more natural and convincing.

2 Prepare to engage the audience using the three primary rhetorical concerns. Prepare a logical argument for the support of the topic, citing specific information, statistics or quotations, providing credibility to your argument. Write an ethical appeal for the topic by describing an ethical standard, upheld by the affirmation of the topic, providing credibility to the audiences desire to agree with the topic. Prepare an emotional appeal by describing your personal connection to the topic, and explaining why the topic is so significant, providing credibility to yourself and your connection to the topic.
3 Prepare for your speech, rehearsing it thoroughly. Get used to the sound of your own public speaking voice, while you get used to the speech itself. Practice until you are able to spend the majority of the speaking time looking into the mirror and not at your notes. Use this technique to build confidence in your speaking ability and in your ability to give the speech.
4 Practice using a clear speaking voice, enunciating correctly and speaking with confidence. Record yourself as you practice the speech in the mirror, and listen to the recording, noting any areas where your voice trails off or sounds muttered. Rerecord the speech after correcting these errors to ensure you addressed the problem successfully.
5 Write a series of possible questions, regarding your topic, and prepare educated and insightful answers to each. Note a few important points you expect to come up as questions from the audience. Practice answering them in the mirror. Use this to prepare for the question-and-answer period following the speech, helping you remain confident and keep a prepared appearance.

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