Public speaking is something that we all have to do in college and is said to be one of the few fears that the majority of humans have in common in this country. Something that I've found helpful is listening to a song that makes you feel good before you have to speak. So, I've put together a list, in no particular order, of songs that can help to lift one's spirits and boost confidence. While some of them are from my own personal playlist, others I've gathered from friends and family both in college and in business. All are songs they say make them feel good, calmer, and/or more confident. And some just make us want to dance. Although long, the list is in no way exhausted (we could go on forever, right?) but it's a decent start. I hope you find a little bit of strength in at least one of these songs.
1. The Man by Aloe Blacc
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My favorite part of this video is the woman at the beginning, leaning against a car and totally rocking her Afro. But other than that, Aloe Blacc's soulful tones can deliver strength to listeners, especially when he's singing about strength and perseverance.
2. Dangerous Love by Fuse ODG ft. Sean Paul
"Dangerous Love" is a song that I personally like to listen to whenever I'm feeling a lack of confidence or just having a moment of low self-esteem. I absolutely never get tired of hearing it. And, yes, you should be dancing to this. Every. Time. So if you see me in the library, at work, in class, or standing in a long line and I'm dancing by myself with my headphones on, Fuse ODG is most likely to be the cause.
3. Piano by Ariana Grande
While not specifically geared to increasing confidence, the music of Ariana Grande's "Piano" almost forces you to smile and move.
4. Popular Song by Mika ft. Ariana Grande
5. Real Girls Eat Cake by The Janoskians
6. Sweatpants by Childish Gambino
7. i by Kendrick Lamar
"One nation under a groove." Need we say more? Love yourself.
8. Am I Wrong by Nico & Vinz
Nico and Vinz have an infectiously joyous energy when they perform and it shines through in their music.
9. Classic by MKTO
10. POWER by Kanye West
11. She Bad Bad by Eve
No matter what, I can always find a song by Eve to fit my mood and/or make me feel like I can conquer anything.
12. Can You Do This by Aloe Blacc
Remember this: whether you're twisting your hips like it's 1959, shimmying so hard and fast that you're smacking people with random body parts, fist-pumping through the roof, shaking your booty like there's no tomorrow, or rolling your hips like the music lives inside your body, you are an awesome dancer. And once the weekend hits, that's all that really matters. And how cute are Aloe Blacc and his wife in the video? Adorable!
13. Wanna Be by Eve ft. Missy Elliott and Nacho
14. Feeling Myself by Nicki Minaj ft. Beyoncé
15. Bad Girls by M.I.A.
16. Best Day of My Life by American Authors
17. I'm Legit by Nicki Minaj
18. Flawless by Beyoncé
19. Stronger by Kanye West
20. Brave by Sara Bareilles
21. Rescue by Yuna
Another personal favorite. Yuna's voice alone gives a sense of peace and happiness but this song is ace.
22. Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys
23. Ten Feet Tall by Afrojack
24. BO$$ by Fifth Harmony
25. Like A Champion by Selena Gomez
Always a hit on those presentation days. Don't forget to "Walk like a champion. Talk like a champion."
26. Good Life by One Republic
