Speaking in Public: the Biggest Fear

Speaking in public is one of the most common fears, often ranking higher than the fear of death. Studies show that about 77% of people experience some level of anxiety when speaking in front of an audience. This fear is known as glossophobia, and it can be paralyzing.

However, some of the greatest leaders and communicators in history have mastered the art of public speaking. Winston Churchill, Martin Luther King Jr., Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Steve Jobs are just a few examples of powerful orators who have captivated audiences with their words. Their speeches have inspired movements, changed perspectives, and influenced generations.

Speaking in Public Can Be Scary…

Have you ever felt like your mind went blank while speaking in public? Stumbled over your words? Felt physically ill before a big presentation? You're not alone. Many people experience sweaty palms, a racing heart, or even nausea before addressing a crowd.

The fear of public speaking often comes from self-doubt and the pressure to perform well in front of others. The good news is that these feelings can be managed, and even eliminated, with the right approach. The more you expose yourself to speaking opportunities, the more comfortable and confident you will become.

Yet, despite the fear, public speaking is a crucial skill in today’s world. Whether you’re an employee presenting ideas to your team, a business owner pitching to potential clients, or an advocate speaking for a cause, the ability to communicate effectively can open doors to new opportunities. The ability to speak persuasively, clearly, and passionately gives you an edge in any professional or social situation.

Why Is Speaking in Public Crucial?

Mastering public speaking is more than just a career advantage—it’s a life skill. Being able to confidently articulate your thoughts and ideas allows you to gain more credibility and influence in any setting. Strong communication skills enhance your ability to network, persuade, and lead.

Gaining more clients is a direct benefit of improving your speaking abilities. When you can clearly convey the benefits of your products or services, potential customers are more likely to trust you and make a purchase. In professional settings, speaking in public clearly and persuasively also positions you as a leader. Whether you’re presenting your new product to investors, explaining an idea in a meeting, or simply sharing insights with colleagues, the way you deliver your message matters.

The power of pitching is another crucial aspect of speaking in public. A compelling pitch can make the difference between securing an investment and being overlooked. The ability to tell a compelling story, present data convincingly, and build a strong connection with your audience can lead to career-changing opportunities.

How to Prepare Yourself for a Presentation

Preparation is the key to success when speaking in public. Knowing your audience is one of the first steps. Understanding their interests, expectations, and needs allows you to tailor your message effectively. If you’re speaking to potential clients, focus on the benefits they will gain from your product or service. If addressing a team at work, emphasize clear takeaways that they can apply to their roles.

Structuring your speech properly is also important. Begin with a strong introduction that grabs attention. Use the body of your speech to present key points in a logical order, and conclude with a memorable statement that reinforces your main message. Practicing your speech multiple times will help you become more comfortable with the material and improve your delivery.

Visual aids can enhance your presentation by making information easier to digest. Well-designed slides, charts, and videos help emphasize key points and keep the audience engaged. However, they should support your speech rather than dominate it. Additionally, controlling your breathing is essential for maintaining composure and speaking at a steady pace. Deep breathing exercises before speaking in public can help calm nerves and improve voice control.

How to Gain Audience Attention

A great speech isn’t just about what you say; it’s about how you make people feel. Engaging your audience from the start is crucial. One effective method is to use imaginative language. Starting with phrases like “Imagine this…” encourages listeners to visualize what you’re describing.

Another technique is to engage the senses. While speaking in public, ask your audience to close their eyes and picture a scenario to create a more immersive experience. Asking thought-provoking questions also keeps your audience involved. Whether open-ended or closed, questions encourage participation and interaction.

Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools in public speaking. Personal anecdotes, real-life case studies, and inspirational stories make your speech more relatable and emotionally compelling. Humor can also be a great way to connect with an audience, as it lightens the atmosphere and makes your speech more enjoyable.

Using a strong opening line is essential when speaking in public. Instead of starting with a generic introduction, open with a surprising fact, a powerful quote, or an intriguing question. Additionally, making eye contact, moving naturally on stage, and using dynamic vocal variety all contribute to a captivating presence.

What to Do If You Forget Your Script?

Forgetting what you were supposed to say while speaking in public can be nerve-wracking, but it happens to even the most experienced speakers. The key is to remain calm. A brief pause allows you to collect your thoughts without the audience noticing. In fact, strategic pauses can make your speech more powerful.

Using silence to your advantage can emphasize key points and build suspense. Taking a deep breath helps relax your mind and refocus. If necessary, tell a quick anecdote to bridge the gap while you recall your next point. Most importantly, remember that the audience doesn’t know your exact script, so if you rearrange your points or slightly adjust your wording, they won’t notice.

Speaking in public becomes easier with practice.

How to Train Yourself to Be a Better Speaker

Improving your public speaking skills takes consistent practice. One effective way to improve is by hiring a public speaking coach. A coach can provide personalized feedback and techniques to enhance your confidence and delivery.

Practicing in front of a mirror allows you to observe your facial expressions and gestures, ensuring they align with your message. Another great method is joining a public speaking group, such as Toastmasters, where you can practice in a supportive environment and receive constructive feedback.

Recording and reviewing your speeches is another valuable technique. Watching yourself helps identify areas for improvement, such as vocal clarity, body language, and pacing. Additionally, mindfulness exercises, like meditation and deep breathing, can help reduce nervousness and improve focus before speaking engagements.

Attending workshops and seminars on speaking in public exposes you to expert insights and new techniques. Reading books on the subject, such as those by Dale Carnegie or Carmine Gallo, can also offer valuable strategies. Lastly, watching and learning from great speakers, such as TED Talk presenters, helps you observe effective techniques that you can incorporate into your own style.

Drawing from My Own Journey and Experiences:

Some children grow up wanting to be ballerinas. Others want to be astronauts. I always wanted to stand up in front of people and help them feel. At the time, I thought the best way to be seen for my voice and my beauty was to become an actress. It was my dream.

All I knew was that I felt most alive when I was performing, whether that meant putting on shows for my family or reciting poetry at school. But that’s just one reason why I’ve always loved public speaking and why it’s an important part of my life and career today. Today, I want to tell you all about my love affair with public speaking.

Once Upon a Time, I Wanted to Be an Actress

In some of my fondest childhood memories, I see myself acting out scenes from my favourite book, The Fox and the Crow. Once I had an idea for a scene or a story in my head, I couldn’t wait to get onto my stage (the living room carpet) and perform for my audience (my family).

When I started school, I discovered poetry, which became one of my favourite topics. Beyond the thrill of being on stage, there are three reasons I adore poetry:

I’m a romantic person. A big dreamer and poetry helped me connect with this aspect of myself. I felt drawn to the stories whose stories evoked the most emotion. The narrator’s anger, happiness, grief and lust made me feel alive, too.
I was amazed at how I could bring a story to life through subtle changes in intonation and the power of vocabulary. It taught me valuable lessons about verbal communication and its power to transport audiences anywhere you want.
Speaking aloud brought me so much joy. Even rehearsing at home with my mum, practising until I was perfect, made me so happy.

Speaking in Public is all About Connection

Soon, I realised that acting wasn’t the only way to connect with audiences. Everything that I loved about acting also applied to public speaking. Yes, you are alone on the stage, and yes, you’re telling your personal story rather than playing fictional characters, but are acting and speaking in public so different? As with acting, the power of motivational speaking lies in your ability to express yourself through your voice, body, charm, and aura.

As I grew older, I experienced health struggles and had to build extreme resilience to cope. It was challenging, but I’m grateful to have a story I can share with audiences. As a public speaker, I’m able to share my message of empowerment and inner strength far and wide, helping men and women become more mindful in their day-to-day lives and find the courage to take steps forward in their lives.

This sense of connection is why I love public speaking. It allows me to speak from my heart, deliver a message with authenticity and connect with my audience. It allows me to tell my story. To me, that means speaking from my heart with ease and having the courage to use my voice.

The hours I spent performing as a child laid the foundation for a career where I’m lucky enough to transform my experiences and pain into an empowering and inspiring experience for audiences.

The Healing Power of Speaking in Public

Last year, I found myself struggling with low moods. I accepted my feelings, but when it was time to move on, I found a creative solution to get back on my feet: stand-up comedy. I desperately needed a laugh, so I took a one-week stand-up comedy course in London. It was so much fun!

On the last day, I performed in front of 100 people. Making people laugh felt incredible. And being able to laugh at yourself is so powerful, helping you release fears of judgement. I loved the playful element stand-up applies to public speaking and how it encourages vulnerability. I not only had a great laugh but walked away with role-play exercises I could practice with my clients to help them express themselves more frankly.

In 2023, I found Toastmasters, an educational organisation that builds confidence and teaches public speaking skills. I love getting together with the other participants every Tuesday to deliver speeches and participate in table discussions, allowing me to lean on my creativity and improvisation skills.

Now, I’m a Confidence Listener

I’ve been lucky enough to have studied improvisation, screen acting, and meditation and have combined these experiences to create a unique technique that informs my work as a motivational speaker. Using drama and mindfulness techniques, I offer coaching and public speaking courses for those looking to speak with more confidence and want to improve confidence in speaking, teaching them how to express themselves authentically and speak from the heart.

My mission is to inspire men and women not to give up. I use my voice to help people build the resilience they need to surf the waves of life, working with clients to embrace the transformative power of mindfulness.

Conclusion

Speaking in public is an essential skill that can transform your career and personal life. While fear of speaking is common, it can be overcome with practice, preparation, and the right mindset. A great speech isn’t about memorizing words—it’s about connecting with your audience and making them feel something.

So, next time you step on stage, take a deep breath, trust yourself, and own the moment. You have a powerful voice—use it! By mastering public speaking, you can inspire, persuade, and lead with confidence. Whether you’re presenting to a boardroom, pitching to investors, or addressing a large audience, the ability to communicate effectively will always be a valuable asset. Start practicing today, and soon, you’ll be speaking in public with confidence and impact!

Speaking in Public: Overcoming Fear & Mastering the Art of Communication