Mastering Public Speaking: 3 Foundational Skills to Influence & Inspire

Introduction: Why Public Speaking Starts Before You Speak

Did you know that people form an impression of you within the first tenth of a second? That means long before you utter a single word—before the witty remarks, inspiring anecdotes, or brilliant insights—your body and energy are already sending a message. In public speaking, it’s not just about the message you deliver; it’s about how you show up before the message begins.

Whether you’re leading a corporate meeting, pitching a business idea, or introducing yourself in a room full of professionals, your non-verbal cues set the tone. This silent communication lays the foundation for trust, engagement, and influence.

The Rise Up For You Approach to Public Speaking

Rise Up For You, founded by CEO Nada Lena Nasserdeen, has empowered thousands of leaders, entrepreneurs, and teams across the globe through coaching, workshops, and keynotes. With a mission centered on holistic leadership and effective communication, Rise Up For You goes beyond surface-level tactics to equip individuals with sustainable tools that foster confidence and connection.

Drawing on years of global speaking experience and performance-based training, Nada Lena and her team focus on internal and external alignment—what you feel and how you present it. Their three-pillar method to mastering public speaking begins before any words are spoken: posture, presence, and voice.

Step 1: Posture – The Unspoken Power of Presence

The Story Your Body Tells

Posture is one of the most immediate indicators of your confidence. The moment you step into a room, your body begins narrating a story. Slouched shoulders, averted eyes, or fidgety hands silently suggest insecurity or lack of preparedness—even if you’ve practiced your speech a hundred times.

Audiences don’t just hear your words—they observe your physicality. If your posture is uncertain, it can undermine even the most brilliant content. Strong posture conveys authority, clarity, and groundedness—key ingredients for influence.

Grounded & Confident Positioning

To embody leadership through posture, consider these actionable tips:

• Feet firmly planted: Keep your feet hip-width apart. Avoid standing with feet together—it creates an unstable, tip-over effect.

• Relax your shoulders: Avoid tension that brings your shoulders up to your ears. Relaxation signals calm authority.

• Open chest and direct head: An open stance communicates confidence and openness to engagement.

• Don’t cross your arms: This signals defensiveness and emotional closure, even if unintentional.

  
  

Remember: Your audience is deciding in seconds whether to trust and listen to you. Let your body do the first impression justice.

Step 2: Presence – Energy That Draws People In

What Is Presence, Really?

Presence isn’t about being loud or dramatic—it’s about being fully attuned to the moment. Your audience can sense when you’re distracted, rehearsed, or trying to be perfect. True presence communicates: “I see you. I’m with you. We’re in this together.”

Building Magnetic Energy

People are attracted to energy that feels warm, kind, and confident. To elevate your presence, focus on these elements:

• Make eye contact: Engage with individuals in the audience, not just a vague point in the room.

• Smile with authenticity: A genuine smile builds connection instantly.

• Avoid perfectionism: Let go of over-rehearsed delivery. Audiences crave authenticity more than polish.

  
  

Your ability to influence depends on emotional reciprocity. The warmth and openness you radiate will be returned to you. Confidence in public speaking begins with creating an atmosphere people want to step into.

Step 3: Voice – Deliver With Power, Not Just Words

Why Voice Matters

Your vocal tone is one of the most crucial factors in audience perception. Research shows that people form assumptions about your credibility and authority within seconds of hearing your voice. Even if your words are brilliant, poor vocal delivery can diminish your impact.

Mastering Your Vocal Tools

As a former professional performer, Nada Lena shares these vocal strategies from her studies in vocal pedagogy:

• Control your pace: Don’t rush. A calm, measured pace gives your audience time to absorb your message.

• Use vocal variety: Add peaks and valleys to avoid a monotone delivery. Let your tone express emotion and conviction.

• Avoid the “falloff” effect: Don’t let your volume drop at the end of sentences. Speak clearly and fully to the final word.

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Your voice isn’t just a vehicle for information—it’s a tool for transformation. Use it to draw your audience in and help them feel the weight of your message.

Public Speaking Is Not Just About Information

Many professionals believe public speaking is about sharing knowledge. But true impact comes from sharing transformation. The way you carry yourself, the warmth you bring into the room, and the dynamics of your voice all contribute to the emotional resonance of your message.

Influence happens when your audience doesn’t just hear you—but when they feel seen, understood, and inspired by your presence.

The Final Word: Speak With Precision, Power & Purpose

Public speaking is both an art and a science. While crafting strong content is essential, your posture, presence, and voice are the foundation upon which influence is built. By focusing on these three elements before you even begin your talk, you create a compelling introduction—without saying a word.

Whether you're stepping onto a stage or leading a small group meeting, mastering these elements ensures that you show up with clarity, authenticity, and authority. And that’s what true leadership sounds—and looks—like.

Join the Rise Up For You Success Academy

If you're ready to elevate your communication and leadership skills, Rise Up For You invites you to join the Success Academy. With on-demand courses, group coaching, and assessments, the Academy helps individuals around the world master skills like public speaking, emotional intelligence, leadership, and confidence—all from one powerful platform.

Let Rise Up For You support your journey. Together, let’s rise, speak, and lead with impact.