We've covered so much ground together! Now it's time for the most important step: figuring out exactly where you are right now.
A personal confidence baseline is like a map showing your current speaking strengths and growth areas across different situations.
Engagement Message
Name one reason why knowing your starting point matters for building confidence?
Here's the truth: your confidence isn't the same in every speaking situation. You might feel great talking to friends but nervous presenting to colleagues.
Understanding these patterns helps you target your growth efforts instead of thinking you're "just not a confident speaker."
Engagement Message
Can you think of a situation where you feel naturally confident speaking?
Let's look at different speaking contexts. One-on-one conversations usually feel easier because there's less spotlight effect and more natural back-and-forth.
Small group discussions often feel manageable because you can ease into participation and gauge reactions as you go.
Engagement Message
Which feels more comfortable for you: one-on-one or small groups?
Formal presentations typically trigger more nerves because of the spotlight effect and higher stakes. But remember: this is your nervous system working normally, not a defect.
The competence-confidence loop we discussed applies here - small successes in easier contexts build capacity for harder ones.
Engagement Message
What's your biggest speaking challenge right now: small groups or formal presentations?
Another important factor: familiar versus unfamiliar audiences. Speaking to people you know often feels safer than speaking to strangers.
But sometimes the opposite is true - strangers might feel less judgmental than people whose opinions really matter to you.
Engagement Message
Do you feel more nervous with familiar people or strangers?
