Public Speaking 101

Most people would rather skydive than speak in public—and yet, we do it all the time.

Any time you speak outside your home, you’re public speaking. Whether it’s a staff meeting, a book club, or a casual conversation at a community event, you're putting your voice out there. Some audiences are bigger than others, sure—but that act of speaking publicly is happening far more often than we realize.

So why does the idea of formal public speaking trigger such anxiety?

Is it the fear of failure or judgment? Imposter syndrome? That feeling of being seen too clearly or not seen at all? Likely, it’s a little of each. But more than anything, I believe it’s this: we simply don’t have enough opportunities to practice.

Think about it—maybe in middle school or high school you recited a poem or gave a class presentation. But after that? For most people, the chance to speak in front of an attentive audience is rare. So when we do get the chance—whether it's at work, in a community group, or on a bigger stage—it’s unfamiliar, and our nervous system interprets it as a threat.

The idea of booking a venue or speaking in front of a large crowd can be terrifying. You know you have a message. You can talk for hours about your life, your business, or your passions. But the thought of standing in front of a group, all eyes on you, triggers visions of blanking out, freezing, or worse—passing out.

You are not alone.

Most people feel nervous anytime they step outside their comfort zone. The goal isn’t to get rid of that discomfort—it’s to get familiar with it. Learn to notice the automatic negative thoughts (ANTs) that creep in. Recognize them for what they are: mental noise trying to keep you small.

The good news? You can stretch this muscle. You can grow your confidence through small, intentional steps. Here are a few ways to begin:

• Start small: Attend a local meeting—your HOA, PTA, book club, or faith group—and look for opportunities to share aloud.
  

• Volunteer: Offer to present something short at work, even if it’s just a 5-minute share. Bring props, slides, or handouts to help structure your message.
  

• Pick a topic you love: It’s much easier to speak about something you’re already passionate or knowledgeable about.
  

• Use cue cards or simple visuals: Don’t memorize—familiarize.
  

• Practice out loud: Rehearse your talk, time yourself, and notice where you get stuck or speed up.
  

• Record yourself: Watching yourself may feel awkward, but it’s one of the best ways to improve.
  
  

It might feel overwhelming at first—but with time and repetition, it becomes easier. You may never want to be the next Tony Robbins, and that’s perfectly fine. The goal isn’t to become someone else on stage—it’s to become yourself, fully present and confident, delivering a message that reflects who you are.

Public speaking isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being real.

Practice doesn’t make perfect—it makes progress.