Presenting yourself with confidence can make a huge difference in all areas of your life ranging from stopping in to get an oil change to personal relationships and getting ahead at work. But not everyone enjoys putting their face forward and being the centre of attention. There are a few tricks you can use to get ready, though.

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Communication consultant Elizabeth Hunt joined Steven and Chris in studio to talk about how to speak with confidence. Here are her tips to ensure you're being heard and listened to:

1.CONSIDER YOUR AUDIENCE
Whether it's a at a board meeting or in a butcher shop, different recipients require different styles of communication.

2. BE AWARE

Be Aware of Yourself
Physically:
Stand up straight
Make eye contact
Choose your moments. i.e.: Don't look down while you are trying to make an important point

Mentally:
If you think nervously, you'll be nervous. Put yourself in a mental state to prepare to be confident!

Be Aware of Others
Pay attention to how others are reacting to what you're saying.

If someone is ignoring you and it makes you feel mad or embarrassed, this will come across in your voice. Be aware and take the actions necessary to change the situation.

3. BREATHE
Most people don't breathe properly. Women tend to be the worse than men at this. Shallow breathing isn't good and won't help you propel your words or speak confidently

4. WARM UP YOUR VOICE
Your voice is a muscle and should be warmed up. Try humming or repeating the "mm hm" sound of agreement to shape us your vocal chords.

5. ARTICULATING
Be sure to pronounce every syllable of a word. Like your appearance, if you want to be taken seriously, your voice should be neat and tidy.

6. USE YOUR VOICE PROPERLY
It's not what you say but how you say it. Any emotion you show is important to the message you put across.

Final Thoughts

The most important thing is to be aware of what you say and how you say it. Most people don't need speech therapy -- they just need to be more aware and that's usually enough to curb bad speaking habits.

Speaking with confidence can change your life, your career and your relationships.It doesn't take much effort to do it and the rewards of increased confidence and respect are worth the effort!