Triple Take #22: first impressions, barriers and confidence levels

Voice Confident's Triple Take - your fortnightly trio of tips!

First impressions matter; and in public speaking, they’re often shaped in the very first moments. Your voice, your body language, and the confidence you project all combine to tell your audience whether they can trust you and engage with you.

The good news? Each of these elements can be prepared, practised and improved. In this issue, we’ll look at how to strengthen your opening voice so it inspires confidence, how to use presence to remove invisible barriers between you and your listeners, and how to build resilience in your confidence even if a talk doesn’t go the way you hoped.

Voice - first impressions count!

We all make snap judgments, and our voice is often one of the first cues people use to form an impression. That’s why the opening moments of a talk or meeting carry disproportionate weight.

If your voice sounds hesitant or uncertain, the audience may quickly doubt your confidence. But if you’ve rehearsed your start, your voice is steadier, your energy is focused, and you come across as someone worth listening to. It also gives you encouragement if the opening goes well - and time to focus on connecting with the audience, rather than what you are going to say!

👉 Try this: write out your opening couple of sentences and practise it standing up, five times in a row. Record yourself and listen back; notice how preparation makes your voice sound more confident and clear.

Presence - avoid the barriers

Before you say a word, your body language is already sending signals. Barriers, whether a table, crossed arms, or tightly clasped hands, can unconsciously suggest nervousness, caution, or distance.

Conversely, open gestures and a clear physical connection with your audience communicate confidence and warmth. When I coach speakers, I often ask them to step away from the lectern or table, even just a few steps forward. That small act shifts the room dynamic; you appear more approachable and engaged.

👉 Try this: in your next meeting, notice when you put objects or gestures between you and others. Experiment by uncrossing your arms, opening your hands, and if possible, moving in front of a barrier. Watch how quickly the room feels more connected.

Confidence - keep going!

Confidence isn’t a permanent trait; it rises and falls depending on our emotional state, the room we’re in, and the audience we face. One of the biggest traps I see speakers fall into is making broad judgments based on a small sample size.

After one or two difficult presentations, they conclude, “I’m not cut out for this.” In reality, speaking is a skill; one that grows through repetition, reflection, application of new skills and patience. Every audience is different, and every experience is a chance to learn.

👉 Try this: after each talk, jot down three notes: one strength, one improvement, and one experiment for next time. This shifts your mindset from judgement to growth, helping you build confidence with every step forward.