Why Smiling Can Make You a Better Speaker

There are moments when everyone feels nervous about public speaking or experiences heightened anxiety. Even the most experienced speakers can get jittery now and then, whether due to stress, fatigue, or the pressure of an important presentation.

One simple yet powerful way to manage those nerves is to start your speech with a smile. Smiling—even before you say a word—has remarkable effects on both you, the speaker, and your audience.

A smile relaxes your facial and shoulder muscles, easing tension from your body and signaling to your brain that there’s no reason to be anxious. This physical relaxation has a calming effect on the mind, helping you begin your speech in a more composed and confident manner.

Beyond that, smiling sets a positive tone with the audience. When people see you smile, they perceive you as approachable and friendly, making them more inclined to listen and engage with what you have to say.

It may seem like a small gesture, but I encourage you to give it a try. The next time you feel a bit anxious before speaking—or even just as an experiment—start with a smile, and you’ll be surprised by the positive effects it has.

Still not convinced? Watch the 25 most-viewed TED Talks of all time (a staggering 706 million views in total) and count how many of those speakers begin with a smile. (Spoiler: it’s a lot more than you’d expect.)