Behind my smile is someone who once felt deeply uncomfortable with public speaking—but over time, I’ve learned to lean into it.
There was a point in my life when I struggled to share my thoughts even in small group settings. Fast forward to today, and I can confidently stand in front of hundreds of people. This transformation didn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t come naturally to most of us. But embracing public speaking has raised my profile, placed me on stages I never thought I’d see, and set me apart from my peers.
Still, every time the moment approaches, the nerves kick in, and I question why I agreed to do it. Sound familiar? I recently shared my journey with a mentee, and they found it helpful, so here are my top tips for tackling public speaking with confidence:
1. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
I’m not someone who can "wing it" and sound polished. Instead, I spend time curating my message. I draft and redraft my key points, ensuring I know what I want to convey. Rehearsing is crucial—I often practice for hours until I feel comfortable with the material.
I always take notes with me as a safety net in case I lose my train of thought, but I aim to be familiar enough with my content that I don’t rely on them too much.
2. Learn From Yourself
As uncomfortable as it can be, I watch recordings of myself whenever possible. I’m not striving for perfection, but I focus on areas for refinement: reducing filler words like “um,” controlling nervous gestures, and improving pacing.
These insights are invaluable, and while watching yourself may feel cringe-worthy at first, it’s one of the fastest ways to improve.
3. Keep It Relevant
Don’t outstay your welcome. Respect your audience’s time by ensuring every point you make is meaningful and valuable to them. Avoid filling time unnecessarily; a concise, focused presentation is far more impactful than one that drags on.
4. Dress for Confidence
What you wear can significantly affect how you feel. Choose an outfit that makes you feel confident and comfortable. For me, that means avoiding overly high heels (I don’t want to trip on stage!) and opting for something breathable since I know I’ll feel warm under the lights. A swipe of bold lipstick also gives me an extra boost of confidence.
5. Slow Down and Centre Yourself
Before stepping on stage, I carve out at least 10 minutes to centre myself. I take deep breaths, clear my mind, and ensure I’m hydrated. Yes, I even make time for a “nervous wee”!
This ritual helps calm my nerves and allows me to focus on delivering my message.
6. Start Small and Build
Public speaking doesn’t have to start on a big stage. Begin in safe, familiar settings—perhaps presenting at an internal meeting or joining a small group discussion. Gradually work your way to larger audiences.
Being part of a panel can be a great stepping stone since you’re sharing the stage, and presenting online can also ease nerves by removing the immediate pressure of a live audience. For marketers, I highly recommend joining The Keynote Club to practice in a supportive environment.
Remember: You’re Not Alone
Public speaking can feel daunting, but here’s the advice I shared with a nervous colleague at a recent conference:The audience is made up of two types of people: those who fear public speaking and admire anyone brave enough to do it, and those who have experience with public speaking and understand exactly how nerve-wracking it is. Both groups are rooting for you.
From Fearful to Confident
I’ve come a long way from the young woman who was too afraid of “getting it wrong” to share her voice. Today, public speaking is not just something I do—it’s something I offer as a professional service.
If you’re looking to overcome your fear of public speaking, find your voice, or hear more about my journey, I’d love to inspire you. Learn more about my public speaking services here.
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