How the Secret Power of a Supportive Audience Can Transform Your Public Speaking

When you feel supported, you don’t just speak better, you shine brighter.

Future Science Talks during Science Week at The Bank Hotel in Sydney

When you think about great public speaking, or even comedy, you might focus on the words, the structure, the timing.

But one of the biggest factors in how well we perform isn’t technical at all.

It’s emotional.

It’s about how supported we feel.

When I train speakers, I always say that having friends, supportive colleagues, or even familiar faces in the audience can change everything about how we speak.

It’s not about stacking the room. It’s about creating an environment where you feel safe enough to be your best, true self.

From Pressure to Presence

When you walk onto a stage or stand behind a lectern, you’re vulnerable. I feel vulnerable and I perform in front of new crowds every week!

It is not easy to offer your ideas, humour, or energy to a group of people that you may not know.

Naturally, you feel judged and like you need to impress them.

I always notice that my body tenses up a little.

And when I see it in others, I notice that they have a different pacing, phrasing - even their facial expressions are different.

Don’t believe me? Call someone (the old school way), and then change the call to a video call. Notice that you’re somehow self conscious and there’s an instant change?

With public speaking, when there are supporters in the room - specifically, people who you know are on your side - something shifts.

You stop performing to impress and start speaking to connect.

I smile more. I breathe better. My tone becomes warmer, and my pacing more natural.

And this will happen for you as well. You’ll stop worrying about judgment and start enjoying the moment.

And that’s the trick many professionals like me use, visualising that a completely new audience already supports us.

Because it’s when we feel supported that a room or a speech really comes alive.

The Ripple Effect of Support

In my Sydney Comedy School stand-up courses, and when running the Science Comedy Program for Future Science Talks, I’ve seen this countless times.

At every show, the students who tell their friends to come along are usually the most confident performers.

Why? Because when they look into the crowd and see familiar faces smiling, nodding, and laughing, they relax.

Their body language opens up. Their delivery improves. Their jokes land better.

And here’s the interesting thing: that sense of support doesn’t just help them.

It helps the whole room.

Audiences are social. When a few people laugh, nod, or look engaged, it signals to everyone else that what’s happening on stage is enjoyable.

Supporters lift the performer. And they elevate the entire atmosphere. So you benefit twice from having supporters - the good vibes become infectious.

I’ve seen this play out in comedy rooms, conferences, and corporate workshops alike. A few supportive faces can turn an anxious presentation into an engaging conversation.

Confidence That Lasts

The most important benefit to having supporters in the room is often overlooked.

It builds long-term confidence.

Confidence (specifically lacking confidence) is one of the key elements that holds people back from public speaking and being their best selves.

When you speak in front of people who already believe in you, it helps you believe in yourself. 

That self-trust carries into future situations, such as when you’re speaking to people you don’t know.

And developing this self-trust can be the difference between you landing your dream job or not.

It can be the difference between impressing a new date.

And it can be the difference between you feeling accepted for who you are.

For me personally, it’s much easier to replicate the feeling of being my best self in front of others because I’ve had so much experience performing in front of people who support me.

I start to think less about “winning the room” and more about sharing something valuable.

And this is just a shift in mindset, which means you can do it too.

Workplace Connection Over Perfection

Having supporters around you changes the tone of your speaking.

Your presentations will become less formal, less rigid - and much more conversational.

• You’ll stop hiding behind jargon - whether it’s deliberate or accidental.

• You’ll stop worrying about saying the “right” thing.

• You’ll stop feeling so exhausted every time you present in a meeting.

Instead, you’ll find yourself focusing on connecting - which is what the most successful executives do.

You’ll become curious about your audience rather than defensive about your own position.

And as your communication relaxes, so will your audience. They’ll feel your authenticity.

So next time you’re preparing to give a talk or ‘perform’, invite your supporters.

It could be your friends, your colleagues, your partner - anyone who believes in you.

Their energy will change how you show up.

We only live once - share your best moments with people who are meaningful to you.