News Anchor Shares 3 Tips to Sound More Confident

Ever wonder how news anchors stay so composed when reporting live? Dan Schrack, a news anchor at 12WHAM News in Western New York, just shared the professional secrets that keep his voice steady even when chaos unfolds around him.

Schrack posted his tips on TikTok after noticing how many people struggle with public speaking anxiety. Whether you're preparing for a wedding toast, work presentation, or important meeting, his three strategies can transform how confident you sound.

The first trick is eliminating hedging language. Words like "maybe," "probably," and "sort of" instantly drain authority from your message. "Such terms automatically make you sound uncertain," Schrack explains, noting that speech coaches agree these qualifiers water down your point before you finish making it.

Second, end your sentences like you mean it. Speaking with an upward inflection makes everything sound like a question, even when you're stating facts. Instead, drop your voice at the end of sentences to signal certainty and command attention.

The third strategy might surprise you: slow down. Talking quickly signals nervousness and makes people work harder to follow your thoughts. A measured pace shows you're in control and gives your words more weight.

Communication experts backing up Schrack's advice add their own insights. "People resonate with people," says Ryan Bass, sports broadcaster for the Tampa Bay Rays. "Over-the-top declarative statements or hyperbolic tone are not the best way to actually reach people."

Vishakha Mathur, a communications specialist and Vice President at SKDK, emphasizes matching your tone to your message. Serious topics need gravitas while lighter moments call for warmth.

Christina Butler, an Emmy-winning former news anchor turned communication trainer, offers perhaps the most powerful tip. "Keeping the focus on that audience and what their needs are is one of the most fool-proof ways to become a strong public speaker," she says. When you stop worrying about how you look and sound, your nerves often disappear.

Why This Inspires

What makes this story so valuable is its simplicity. You don't need years of training or a communications degree to sound more confident. Three small adjustments to how you speak can change how people perceive and respond to you.

The best part? These techniques work immediately. Remove hedging words, drop your voice at sentence endings, and take your time speaking. That's it.

These small changes could be your secret weapon the next time you need to speak up and be heard.