How to Show Up Confidently Behind Your Microphone

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How can I show up confidently behind my microphone?” you’re not alone. When I started my podcast journey, I was amazed by how effortlessly successful podcasters made it seem. It was as if they were born with a mic in their hand! I wanted to uncover their secret and share it with all of you, so I invited my good friend and speaking coach, Heather Sager, to talk about how to bring more confidence and intentionality to your podcasting.

Heather has been a guest on the show before, and she always brings a ton of wisdom and practical tips. We recently had a live chat on Facebook and YouTube, and it was so good that I had to share it here. Whether you’re watching live, catching the replay, or tuning in via the podcast, I’m excited for you to hear our conversation and gain some valuable insights into speaking with confidence.

Introducing Heather Sager: Speaker Extraordinaire

Before we dive in, let me introduce you to Heather Sager. Heather is a speaking coach who specializes in helping entrepreneurs show up confidently and make an impact with their message. Based in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Heather has a knack for breaking down complex ideas into actionable steps that anyone can follow. I’m thrilled to have her on the show to share her expertise.

The Importance of Speaking as a Skill

When I first started podcasting, I thought speaking was as simple as just talking into a microphone. But Heather has shown me that there’s so much more to it. Speaking is a skill that requires intentional practice and development. Just like any other skill in your business, it’s something that can be honed and improved over time.

Heather compares speaking to learning how to walk or feed yourself. It’s something you learn, practice, and eventually master. The problem is that many of us don’t think about speaking as a skill because we’ve been doing it our whole lives. But if you want to make a real impact with your podcast, you need to be intentional about how you communicate.

Speaking and Entrepreneurship: A Powerful Combination

As online business owners, we often focus on learning skills like creating funnels, writing email sequences, or designing graphics. But speaking is one of the most powerful skills you can develop. It’s the key to articulating your ideas, connecting with your audience, and ultimately growing your business.

Heather emphasizes that your ability to sell your products or services is directly linked to your ability to communicate effectively. It’s not about having the prettiest slides or the most polished scripts; it’s about conveying your message with confidence and authenticity. When you can do that, people will be drawn to you and your message.

Overcoming Common Speaking Challenges

One of the biggest challenges people face when it comes to speaking is overcoming the fear of not being perfect. We all have moments where we stumble over our words or lose our train of thought. Heather reminds us that it’s okay to make mistakes. In fact, it’s those moments of authenticity that can create the strongest connections with your audience.

If you find yourself getting caught up in trying to be perfect, remember that your audience would rather hear the real you. They want to connect with someone who is genuine and relatable, not a polished robot. So, embrace your imperfections and focus on delivering your message with intention and clarity.

Building Confidence and Competency

Heather introduces the concept of the competency-confidence loop. It’s a cycle where as you develop your skills (competency), your confidence grows. And as your confidence increases, you’re more willing to take on new challenges and continue developing your skills.

To become more confident behind the microphone, focus on building your competency. Practice speaking, get feedback, and continuously work on improving your skills. The more you do this, the more confident you’ll become, and the more impact you’ll be able to make.

Practical Tips for Showing Up Confidently

Here are some practical tips from Heather to help you show up confidently behind your microphone:

1. Set Your Intention: Before you start recording, set a clear intention for what you want to achieve with your message. What do you want your audience to feel, think, or do after listening?
2. Embrace Imperfection: Don’t strive for perfection. Instead, focus on being authentic and relatable. Your audience will appreciate your vulnerability and connect with you on a deeper level.
3. Practice Regularly: Like any skill, speaking requires practice. Record yourself speaking, listen back, and identify areas for improvement. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become.
4. Prepare Your Content: Whether you’re a planner or prefer to speak off the cuff, having a clear outline of your key points will help you stay focused and organized.
5. Leverage Your Strengths: If you’re naturally good at thinking on your feet, use that to your advantage. But also consider how you can incorporate preparation and strategy to enhance your message.

Heather’s Training: Level Up Your Speaking Skills

If you’re ready to take your speaking skills to the next level, I highly recommend checking out Heather’s program, Speak Up to Level Up. Heather offers a variety of live training sessions designed to help you nail your message on podcasts, live streams, and other virtual stages. Her training provides actionable strategies and personalized feedback to help you grow your skills and confidence.

Heather’s next live training is coming up soon, and it’s tailored specifically for coaches, course creators, and online entrepreneurs who want to make a bigger impact with their message. You can learn more and register for the training by visiting HeatherSager.com/Krystal. I’ll be there too, and I can’t wait to see you!

Final Thoughts

Showing up confidently behind your microphone is a journey, not a destination. It’s about embracing who you are, honing your skills, and delivering your message with intention and authenticity. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your speaking abilities, remember that it’s a skill you can develop with practice and dedication.

Thank you for joining me in this conversation with Heather Sager. If you have any questions or want to share your thoughts, feel free to reach out. And as always, remember: keep it up. We all have to start somewhere!