Public speaking is the ability to interact and communicate with an audience. We find ourselves in several situations where we need to address a set of people, it could be in the church, at school programs, ceremonies etc.

Most people see public speaking as a difficult task, they believe that individuals in this field are expert. The fact is everyone has an innate ability of public speaking, it all depends on how you master the skill.

Below are 4 ways you can gain confidence before an audience :

**Focus on your subject
You need to concentrate on your subject, this includes your speech materials, if you feel deeply about your subject, you won't be easily distracted. Concentration is a process of distraction from less important matters. Just as the infilling of water into a glass drives out air, in similar way you will drive out insubstantial fears, when you fill your mind with your speech materials.


**Be prepared
Being absorbed by your subject isn't enough, you need to prepare yourself. Know what you are going to talk about extensively and how you are going to say it. I recall an incident where a lady who was live on a radio station to speak on public corporation and tax, was practically stuttering while speaking, in fact a caller was correcting some statement she said. This was quite embarrassing. Make research on the topic you want to speak to your audience,


**Master your audience
Your audience will not hurt you, they wouldn't be there if they don't have faith in you. They are there because they believe you have something tangible to offer, no man is so foolish to waste his time and money on something irrelevant. Develop this mindset that they want you to succeed, because that's your channel to an excellent presentation.


**Have faith in yourself
If you believe you will fail, there is no hope for you, your thoughts will reflect on your subconscious mind. You need to have faith in yourself, see yourself as an expert in your field, this positive mindset is a step to success in public speaking.

Most importantly practice and practice speaking in front of audience often, this will lead to self confidence.