Whether you're leading a meeting, delivering a sales presentation, or introducing yourself at a networking event, your audience is constantly asking one question: Can I trust you?

Credibility is the foundation of influence. And when you're speaking—whether on stage, a virtual platform, or across a conference table—your words only go so far. It's your consistency, integrity, and presence that determine whether people tune in or tune out.

In my new book, 5 STEPS to Speaking Success, I walk readers through a proven framework to speak with more confidence and clarity. One of the most important pieces is engaging your audience—and you can’t do that without credibility.

If you want to be seen as someone worth listening to, here are three practical ways to build trust and credibility every time you speak:

1. Do What You Say You’ll Do

Credibility begins long before you open your mouth. It's built through follow-through.

If you tell a colleague you'll follow up, do it. If you promise a client a call, make it. Small moments of reliability add up. And here's the kicker: when people see you're dependable off-stage, they're more likely to believe what you say on stage.

As a speaker, this also means being mindful of the expectations you set. If you're giving a presentation and promise to cover three tips, stick to three. If you say you’ll keep your remarks brief, respect the clock. Integrity in delivery reinforces the message that you’re someone who keeps their word—and that’s a speaker people want to follow.

2. Own Your Mistakes

We all fumble from time to time. You forget a point. You mispronounce a name. You draw a blank mid-sentence. It happens—even to seasoned speakers.

What sets trusted communicators apart is how they handle those moments. Rather than deflecting, blaming, or pretending nothing happened, they take responsibility with grace.

Owning your mistakes doesn't diminish your credibility—it strengthens it. It signals authenticity and humility, two traits that instantly make you more relatable and trustworthy.

In fact, one of the best ways to connect with an audience is to share a time you stumbled and what you learned from it. Vulnerability used wisely is a powerful engagement tool.

3. Let Your Body Talk

Want to know if someone is believable? Watch them. Tone of voice, posture, facial expression—they all send signals. And if those signals don’t match the words, trust starts to slip.

Research by Dr. Albert Mehrabian found that only 7% of our communication comes from words alone. The other 93% is split between tone of voice (38%) and body language (55%). That’s especially important to remember when speaking on camera or in high-stakes conversations.

So, how can you make sure your message and body are saying the same thing?

• Speak with energy and enthusiasm when appropriate—but don’t overdo it.

• Keep your camera at eye level for virtual meetings.

• Smile when greeting your audience or sharing something uplifting.

• Use gestures that feel natural and avoid crossing your arms or slouching.

• Maintain eye contact—yes, even on Zoom! (Pro tip: look at the camera, not the screen.)

Credibility isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how you show up. Every time you speak, your presence tells a story. Make sure it’s one of confidence and integrity.

Final Thought

If you want to engage your audience and inspire them to take action, start by being someone they trust. And trust is built through consistency, responsibility, and alignment—key principles I explore in my new book, 5 S.T.E.P.S. to Speaking Success.

Ready to strengthen your speaking skills and become a more credible communicator?
📖 Grab your copy of 5 S.T.E.P.S. to Speaking Success today and start showing up with the confidence and clarity your audience deserves. The Kindle edition is available at no cost from beginning Tuesday April 8 through Friday April 11, 2025.

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