Authenticity in Public Speaking: Why Being Yourself is Your Greatest Strength

When it comes to public speaking and communication coaching, many professionals believe they need to put on a “performance persona.” They imagine they must sound more polished, more formal, or even more authoritative than they are naturally. But here’s the truth: the most powerful speakers are not the most polished—they are the most authentic.

This is a principle often echoed by communication experts like Robin Kermode and one that we, at Believe in Greatness, see time and time again when coaching professionals across the UK.

Why Authenticity Beats Perfection

Audiences are not looking for a flawless speaker—they’re looking for someone they can trust. When you try too hard to “perform,” you risk coming across as stiff or disconnected. Authentic speakers, on the other hand:

• Build trust because they speak from the heart
• Engage more deeply because they connect with people, not just with scripts
• Handle pressure better because they are focused on the message, not on being perfect

Practical Ways to Be More Authentic When Speaking

1. Speak in Your Own Words
   Don’t memorise word-for-word. Structure your points, but use natural language so you sound like you.
2. Pause and Breathe
   Authenticity isn’t about rushing—it’s about presence. Pausing shows confidence and allows your audience to absorb your message.
3. Use Your Body Naturally
   Open body language, natural gestures, and genuine eye contact are far more powerful than rehearsed movements.
4. Tell Real Stories
   Facts inform, but stories connect. Share personal anecdotes where relevant to make your message memorable.

Authenticity Under Pressure

When the stakes are high—whether in a boardroom, at a conference, or in front of senior stakeholders—it can be tempting to slip into “performance mode.” But as Frederick Afrifa demonstrated in his recent TEDx talk, remaining authentic even under pressure is what truly resonates.

This is where a public speaking course or working with a public speaking coach becomes invaluable. Coaching helps you practise in “real stimulus” environments, so when pressure hits, you can still be your authentic self.

Conclusion: Your Authentic Voice is Enough

You don’t need to be the loudest, funniest, or most polished speaker to make an impact. You just need to be you—authentic, clear, and confident.

At Believe in Greatness, we help professionals across the UK discover and strengthen their authentic communication style through our public speaking classes and communication coaching programmes.

📩 Ready to build authentic confidence? Get in touch today and let’s help you speak with clarity, confidence, and authenticity.