Is it possible to steal power from your own speech? Yes it is. You do this when your mouth says one thing but your body says another. When you rock back and forth, put all of your weight over one leg, stick your hands deep in your pockets as though you are hiding something, clasp your hands into a little barricade  in front of you, or lock them behind you as though in handcuffs – you are stealing your own power. No matter what your words are – or how powerfully presented – your body can belie your lack of confidence.

Next time you speak, have someone record you on video.  Are your mouth and body sending the same message? Or, are you stealing your own power?

“I’m afraid to take outside speaking gigs,” the bright young professor told me. “I’m afraid I will find out I don’t really know the information once I get up there.”

I knew her and I knew she knew her stuff. She was articulate and fun. Her students loved her.

“I understand the feeling,” I told her. “I felt the same way.”

Then, the day came when I just got up there and spoke. Someone in the audience raised their hand. They asked their question. I answered it. “Whoa,” I thought. “That was a good answer.” The more I spoke, the more confident I grew that I really did know something of value.

Are you willing to put yourself out there? What have you got to lose? What will your audience lose if you don’t say it? You may surprise yourself with your expertise.