Present Your Best: 3 Tips to Feel Less Afraid of Public Speaking

Does public speaking stress you out? Or maybe just the thought of standing before a crowd to speak or teach gets your heart rate going and your palms sweaty.

Last week I taught a marketing workshop to local wellness professionals. We talked about the importance of clearly communicating what you do whether you’re talking 1-1, to a group or at a networking event. One participant said, “I know what I need to do, but I’m afraid to be seen.”

I get it. I spent most of my career “hiding”. When I became self-employed 6 years ago I quickly realized hiding doesn’t grow a business. And when it’s your business and it’s a new business, people need to know about it and you’re the only one who can tell them.

Whether you are a business owner who wants to market more effectively or you are a professional who recognizes the importance of speaking and communications skills for career advancement, below are three quick tips to feel less afraid (and more confident!) about public speaking.

Get curious about your fear. Where is the fear coming from? Are you worried about what could happen? Or maybe you had a negative experience in the past. Either way the thoughts you have don’t have to be true. Notice them first. Get curious, learn from the past and move on to a more successful speaking future.

Stay present. Worrying about the future and fretting over the past keeps you out of the present. When you are "right here, right now", you not only connect better with your audience, you can take action towards your speaking goals. The next time you notice yourself worrying or feeling guilty about the past, take 3 deep breaths, settle your thoughts and identify your next step.

Practice. Want to improve your speaking skills? Practice. Practice in front of a mirror. Hire a coach. Join a speaking club. Gather a group of trusted friends or colleagues to meet regularly. Doesn’t matter how or where you practice. It matters that you do the work.

Your turn: What strategies work for you to feel less afraid and more confident as a speaker?