If you want to feel more confident when speaking in a group, say goodbye to these habits

Speaking up in a group can be nerve-wracking.

I’ve been there—overthinking every word, worrying about how I sound, and sometimes staying quiet when I actually had something valuable to say.

But confidence isn’t just about what you do—it’s also about what you stop doing. Some habits quietly chip away at your self-assurance without you even realizing it.

The good news? Once you recognize them, you can start letting them go.

If you want to feel more confident when speaking in a group, it’s time to say goodbye to these habits.

1) Apologizing for sharing your thoughts

Ever started a sentence with “Sorry, but…” or “This might be a dumb idea, but…”? If so, you’re not alone.

Many of us downplay our own thoughts before we even share them—almost like we’re bracing for rejection before anyone has a chance to respond.

But here’s the thing: constantly apologizing or undermining yourself makes others take you less seriously. If you don’t sound confident in what you’re saying, why should anyone else be?

Next time you speak up, skip the unnecessary apology. Say what you mean with certainty, and let your ideas stand on their own.

2) Overthinking every word before you speak

I used to sit in meetings, running my thoughts through a mental filter over and over, trying to find the perfect way to say them.

By the time I finally felt ready to speak, the conversation had already moved on. I’d walk away frustrated, knowing I had something valuable to add but kept quiet because I was too caught up in getting it just right.

The truth is, confidence doesn’t come from saying things perfectly—it comes from trusting yourself enough to speak up in the first place.

Conversations move fast, and if you wait too long, you might miss your chance entirely.

Instead of overanalyzing every word, focus on simply getting your point across. The more you practice, the easier it gets.

3) Speaking too fast

When people feel nervous, they tend to speed up their speech without even realizing it. The problem? Speaking too fast can make you seem unsure of yourself, and it also makes it harder for others to absorb what you’re saying.

Studies show that people perceive slower speakers as more confident and authoritative. That’s because taking your time shows that you’re comfortable with what you’re saying and that you expect others to listen.

If you catch yourself rushing through your words, take a deep breath and slow down. Pauses aren’t awkward—they give your message more weight.

4) Avoiding eye contact

When you avoid eye contact, it can make you seem uncertain or disconnected—even if your words are strong.

People naturally trust and engage more with speakers who look them in the eye because it signals confidence and sincerity.

In fact, research has shown that maintaining eye contact can make your words more memorable and persuasive. It creates a sense of connection, making others more likely to listen and take you seriously.

If direct eye contact feels uncomfortable, try looking at the space between someone’s eyes or shifting your gaze naturally between different people in the group. With practice, it will start to feel more natural.

5) Letting others interrupt you

I used to let people talk over me all the time. The moment someone jumped in while I was speaking, I’d back off, thinking it wasn’t worth pushing through.

But every time I did that, I sent the message that what I was saying didn’t really matter.

The reality is, people interrupt for all kinds of reasons—some don’t even realize they’re doing it. But if you always let it happen, it becomes a pattern.

Now, when someone tries to cut me off, I keep talking or politely say, “Let me just finish this thought.”

It felt uncomfortable at first, but over time, I noticed something: when I respected my own words enough to stand by them, others did too.

6) Trying too hard to sound smart

It’s tempting to use big words, overly complex explanations, or industry jargon to prove you know what you’re talking about. But ironically, the more you try to sound smart, the less confident you actually come across.

True confidence isn’t about impressing people—it’s about making sure they understand you.

Some of the most respected leaders keep their messages simple and clear because they know that real authority comes from clarity, not complexity.

Next time you’re in a group discussion, focus on getting your point across in the clearest way possible. When you stop worrying about sounding smart, you’ll naturally come across as more confident.

7) Fidgeting too much

Nervous energy has a way of showing up physically—tapping your foot, playing with your hands, adjusting your clothes, or shifting in your seat.

The problem is, these small habits can make you look anxious, even if you’re saying all the right things.

Confident speakers tend to have controlled, intentional movements. They use hand gestures purposefully and stay present in their body rather than letting nervous habits take over.

If you catch yourself fidgeting, try grounding yourself—plant your feet firmly on the floor, take a steady breath, and focus on being still.

The less you let nervous energy control your movements, the more confident you’ll appear (and feel).

8) Doubting that your voice matters

You can fix your posture, slow down your speech, and make eye contact—but if, deep down, you don’t believe that what you have to say is worth hearing, none of it will truly make a difference.

Confident speakers aren’t necessarily the loudest or the most polished. They’re the ones who trust that their ideas are valuable and deserve to be shared.

So before anything else, remind yourself: Your voice matters. Speak like you believe it.

Confidence is built, not inherited

If you’ve read this far, hopefully, you’ve realized that confidence isn’t something you’re simply born with—it’s something you build.

And building confidence doesn’t mean becoming the loudest person in the room. It’s about trusting yourself enough to speak without hesitation, knowing that your voice deserves to be heard.

Small shifts in how you carry yourself, how you speak, and how you think about your own words can make a huge difference.

Let go of the habits holding you back, and you might be surprised at how much more naturally confidence starts to show up.