Take your time. Nervous people talk fast. Be concise. Say what you need to and don’t continue on unless provoked or requested to. [Initially, I wrote “Be short, concise, and to the point”. Yeah, I need to work on these things too…] Be comfortable with silence. Pause for effect from time to time or when a specific point is being made. Yes, most people are uncomfortable with silence but this will make hem crave your next word like a dog craves a treat. So basically, be like Don Draper. If you feel nervous, take a deep breath and relax. This will help lower your vocal register and you will sound more relaxed and natural. And not like Steve Urkle. if you struggle with this. Make eye contact. Without this, you’re not really connecting with the person you’re talking to. What color eyes does your coworker Suzie have? Don’t know? You’re not making enough eye contact. If you’re not asking a question, bring your tone down at the end of the sentence. So many people bring their tone up which makes you sound uncertain about what you are saying. It also makes you sound a little bit like a chicken. Smile and have a sense of humor. Nobody wants to talk to a Grumpy Gus. Be present. If something is on your mind which is distracting you() write it down really quick so your brain can relax. Really listen and make eye contact when someone is speaking to you. Listening well is an absolutely crucial part of communicating confidently and effectively. You should know the color of everyone you know’s eyes. Be honest and have integrity. Don’t pretend you’re something you’re not or talk about stuff you know nothing about. Whatever level of knowledge you are at, it’s ok, and whoever you are, that’s ok too. Doing any of these things will kick on your nervous system and completely negate the rest of these tips because you’ll be nervous you’ll be caught in a lie. Don’t be afraid to disagree. It’s how we learn more about each other, and learn from each other. Just do it tactfully. Remove weak language such as: Um… Uhhh… Like… Just… Could you May be.