“I imagined everyone was noticing my every faults and insecurities. I couldn’t focus on my speech. It felt like they were silently laughing at me.”— Jeffery P.

Picture this: The school auditorium is packed. You hear your name over the sound system, and suddenly everyone’s eyes are on you. The few paces you must take to reach the speaker’s stand seem like a mile. Your palms start to sweat, your legs feel weak, and for some reason your mouth seems impossibly dry. Then, before you can stop it, a huge bead of sweat trickles down your cheek. How embarrassing! You know you are not going to face a firing squad, but it certainly feels that way.

Let’s be honest:  Most of us dread the thought of speaking before others. Some people have even ranked their fear of public speaking above their fear of death! Yet, there are compelling reasons to master this skill. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just navigating life, public speaking can open doors. 

Here’s why it matters and how you can become a confident, successful speaker.

Why Public Speaking Matters

“Public speaking is a skill everyone needs,” So says an advertisement for a speaking course—and it’s true. At school, you might face oral reports, book reviews, debates, or multimedia presentations. 

Carmen, a young woman, recalls, “I had to speak in front of my classmates many times.”

In the workplace, the stakes are even higher. You might need to train coworkers, pitch ideas to clients, or present financial reports to executive committee. Public speaking skills are useful in a wide range of jobs, including those in journalism, management, public relations, and sales.

What, though, if you choose to work as a laborer or an office clerk? Well, being able to speak well on a job interview may mean the difference between getting hired or not. On the job itself, your ability to express yourself can work in your favor.

Sofija worked for three years as a waitress after she completed her schooling. She says: “If you can speak well, you are looked on as being more mature and able to handle more responsibility. It may even mean a better job, higher pay, or at least more respect.”

”Jemma adds, “It’s important to express yourself clearly.” Good speaking skills boost your confidence, enhance your employability, and help you stand out in any setting.

Feeling nervous? You’re not alone. 

Dr. Morton C. Orman, a stress expert and professional speaker, says, “You don’t have to be brilliant or perfect to succeed. The essence of public speaking is giving your audience something of value.” Focus on your message, not your fears. If you believe in the value of what you’re saying, your anxiety will fade.

Ron Sathoff, another noted speaker and trainer, makes this suggestion: Don’t think of your speech as a performance. Treat it as a conversation. Yes, try to connect with your audience, not as a mass, but as individuals, just as you would in regular conversation. Show a real “personal interest” in your audience, and speak to them the way you normally talk. The more conversational your approach, the more relaxed you will be.

Another common reason for anxiety is fear of embarrassment or of being judged by your audience. Lenny Laskowski, a professional speaker and trainer, reminds us that audiences tend to approach each presentation with a positive outlook. “They want you to succeed—not fail,” Laskowski says. So have a positive mind-set. If possible, try to greet some of your audience as they arrive. Try to see them, not as enemies, but as friends.

Remember, too, that nervousness is not entirely a bad thing. “Contrary to popular belief,” one expert says, “nervousness is good for you and your presentation.” Why is that? Because a measure of nervousness reflects modesty, which will help keep you from becoming overconfident. Many athletes, musicians, and actors feel that a little nervous energy actually makes them perform better, and the same can be true of public speakers.

By applying these and other practical ideas, some young ones have already obtained a measure of experience and success as public speakers at school and at workplace. See if a few of their suggestions might help you.

4 Tips to Overcome the Fear and be  Successful 

1. Make It Your Own

Judith: “Put the material in your own words. Convince yourself of the benefits of what you have to say. If you feel that your talk is important, so will the audience.”

2. Practice and Reflect

Rodney: “I found it helpful to videotape myself. It’s humbling but beneficial. Also, try to choose a topic that you enjoy. It will come across in your speech.”

3. Keep It Natural

Graham: “I find that I speak more naturally and sound more conversational when I use an outline instead of writing things out word for word. In addition, taking a deep breath before I speak helps calm me.”

4. Let Go of Perfection Mindset

Jeanne: “Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself. Everyone makes mistakes. You just have to try your best.”

Practice Makes Progress

Like any skill—whether sports, art, or music—Public Speaking improves with practice. Jeffrey recommends preparing your speech far enough in advance so that you have enough time to practice. And do not give up. “The more often I speak in front of others,” he says, “the more comfortable I get.” 

Take the Next Step

Want to stand out as a confident Public Speaker? Book a one-on-one session with our experts today and start your journey to success!