Last updated on Jul 12, 2024

Here's how you can build public speaking confidence through internships.

Public speaking is a skill that, for many, does not come naturally. However, internships provide a unique opportunity to build this confidence in a professional setting. By engaging in internships, you can gradually increase your comfort level with public speaking through real-world practice and mentorship. Whether it's presenting your findings to a team or leading a project discussion, each experience is a stepping stone towards becoming a more confident speaker. In this article, you'll discover how internships can help pave the way to public speaking prowess.

1 Dive In

Internships often involve tasks that require communication, such as meetings or presentations. This is your chance to dive into the deep end and embrace these opportunities. Remember, the more you practice, the better you become. Start with smaller groups and work your way up to larger audiences. Your supervisors and peers can provide feedback that will be invaluable for your growth. Each time you speak, you'll find your confidence building, and the nervousness that once seemed insurmountable will begin to fade.

Add your perspective

Asmita Gupta

Esports-tech | Sports-tech | AI startup | Fan engagement solutions | ex-Bain & Co
Report contribution
Practice makes perfect. Internships are great low risk ways in which you can learn this skill. When you are an intern, the full time employees are more willing to help you out and give you feedback - so please go out and ask for opportunities to try new things, even if it to present to an internal group. This is a great way to build public speaking skills early on.

Like

2 Feedback Loop

A critical component of building public speaking confidence is to engage in a feedback loop. During your internship, seek constructive criticism from colleagues and mentors after presentations or meetings. This feedback is not meant to discourage you but to help you identify areas for improvement. By understanding your strengths and areas needing work, you can focus on specific aspects of your speaking and presentation style that will make you more effective and confident.

Add your perspective

3 Real Projects

Internships often allow you to work on real projects that contribute to the organization's goals. Presenting these projects to others not only showcases your work but also requires you to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently. This real-world experience is invaluable; it's not just about speaking well but also about effectively conveying the significance of your work. The stakes are higher than in a classroom presentation, which can motivate you to refine your public speaking skills even further.

Add your perspective

4 Mentor Guidance

Mentors are an integral part of any internship experience. They can guide you in honing your public speaking abilities by sharing their own experiences and tips. A mentor can act as a sounding board for your ideas and can provide a safe space for you to practice your presentations. Their encouragement can boost your confidence exponentially, as they can help you navigate the nuances of effective communication within a professional context.

Add your perspective

Sweety Sonia

B2B Brand Strategist & Designer | 10,000+ designs created for 50+ B2B Brands | Instructional Designer | Image Consultant | Soft Skills Corporate Trainer | 500+ written reviews on Trainings
Report contribution
“The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving them the opportunity to create themselves.” – Steven Spielberg I recommend scheduling regular practice sessions with your mentor, where you can rehearse presentations and receive real-time feedback on areas for improvement.

Like

5 Networking Events

Internships often provide access to networking events where you can observe and learn from seasoned professionals. Pay attention to how they command a room, engage with an audience, and handle questions. You can then emulate these behaviors in your own public speaking efforts. Additionally, these events offer low-stakes environments where you can practice speaking to individuals and small groups, gradually building up your confidence for larger audiences.

Add your perspective

6 Reflect and Grow

Reflection is a powerful tool for personal growth, especially when it comes to public speaking. After each speaking opportunity during your internship, take some time to reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Consider keeping a journal of your experiences and feelings about public speaking to track your progress over time. This reflection will help you recognize your growth, solidify what you've learned, and reinforce the confidence you've gained through your internship experiences.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Brian Krogh

Public Speaking Coach | Preparing Technical Experts to Present Complex Ideas with Confidence and Clarity
Report contribution
The best way to improve your communication skills as an intern is to commit to listening with excellence. You will be tempted to speak to try and "prove your worth" or "add value." The only way to learn where you can add value is to listen. What problems do you hear people discussing? Where are their roadblocks? What are the tasks that people find difficult to complete? When you find an issue that lines up with your experience, speak. Speaking without listening is like throwing darts in the dark. You may hit the target, but it'll be by chance, and you may not know you hit it. Listening turns on the lights and allows you to hit the bullseye.

Like

Here's how you can build public speaking confidence through internships.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Dive In

2 Feedback Loop

3 Real Projects

4 Mentor Guidance

5 Networking Events

6 Reflect and Grow

7 Here’s what else to consider

Presentation Skills

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Presentation Skills

More relevant reading

Here's how you can build public speaking confidence through internships.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Dive In

2 Feedback Loop

3 Real Projects

4 Mentor Guidance

5 Networking Events

6 Reflect and Grow

7 Here’s what else to consider

Presentation Skills

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills