One of the biggest myths about successful speakers is that they somehow reach a point where they no longer experience self-doubt.

They do.

In fact, after years of coaching speakers, executives, and professionals, I’ve found that highly successful people often have just as many doubts as everyone else.

The difference?

Their drive becomes stronger than their doubt.

They don’t wait until they feel completely confident before moving forward. They develop an inner determination to communicate, grow, improve, and make an impact – and they learn to move forward even when that familiar voice of doubt shows up.

So, what creates that kind of drive? Here are four keys that can help you become a more confident, effective, and successful speaker.

Key #1 — Make Excellence Your Driving Force

Ask yourself:

Do I have a strong desire to become an excellent communicator?
Am I becoming the speaker I want to be?
Am I willing to do what it takes to set myself apart?

There’s an important difference between perfection and excellence.

Perfection says, “I can’t make a mistake.” Excellence says, “I’m committed to becoming better.”

The clearer you become about the speaker you want to be, the easier it becomes to take the actions necessary to get there.

Deep down, what do you really want?

Do you want to communicate with greater confidence? Lead with Authority? Grow your business? Share an important message?

Decide what matters to you and commit yourself to pursuing it.

“That’s good enough” rarely produces excellence. or confidence.

Key #2 — Stop Tolerating What Holds You Back

One of the most important questions I ask my coaching clients is:

“What are you tolerating?”

What habits are you tolerating that interfere with your growth?
What excuses have you allowed yourself to keep making?
What fears continue to determine which opportunities you’ll pursue?
What are the “anchors” keeping you from becoming the speaker you know you can be?

Maybe it’s procrastination. Maybe it’s avoiding opportunities to speak. Maybe it’s failing to practice.

Or perhaps it’s the belief that you’ll finally take action when you feel completely confident.

Be careful. You may be waiting a long time.

Confidence usually doesn’t come before action. It grows because of action.

Decide today that you will no longer tolerate the habits, excuses, and fears that keep you stuck.

In next week’s post I’ll share Keys # 3 & 4 to becoming a successful Speaker.