Public speaking anxiety is a common fear that many people face. We can ole-talk at the bar or the lunchroom at work, but if we have to stand and say something significant in a work meeting or at a PTA, we draw blanks or start stuttering. Let’s face it, this can affect your work performance, social interactions, and self-esteem. 

You may feel nervous, shaky, sweaty, or tongue-tied when speaking in front of a group of people, whether it’s a presentation, a meeting, a speech, or a conversation. 

You may get worried about making a mistake, forgetting what to say, or being judged by others. You may avoid public speaking situations altogether or suffer through it because you dread having to.

But public speaking is a critical soft skill that, when mastered, can greatly enhance your professional and personal life.  Listen, friend, anxiety doesn’t have to hold you back from achieving your personal and professional goals; you can overcome it with some strategies and practice and show up more confidently in your career and relationships. 

Here are some tips on how to do that.

1. Prepare and practice

Like with most things we are anxious about, the best way to reduce your fear of public speaking is to prepare and practice for it. Get familiar with your presentation thoroughly. The more you know your topic, the more confident you will feel. And consequently, the more confident you feel, the more confident you will sound.

Therefore, research your subject, organize your information, and use an outline or notes to guide you. Practice your speech or presentation several times.  You can do this in front of a mirror or a loved one. My daughter witnessed most of my major speeches. She even gave me tips on my capstone for my MBA. 

If you do not have an opinionated daughter, you can use a recorder or a camera to get feedback and improve your delivery. You can also use the Yoodli app, a top-ranked public speaking app that helps you practice and improve your speaking skills¹.

2. Set realistic expectations

Another way to overcome your public speaking anxiety is to set realistic expectations for yourself and your audience. 

Don’t expect yourself to be perfect or to please everyone. You are human, and you may make some mistakes or encounter some challenges. That’s okay. 

Focus on doing your best, not on being the best.

Also, comparison is the thief of joy, so set it aside. Listen to other great speakers to inspire you, celebrate your strengths, and acknowledge your areas of improvement.

Your audience is not there to judge you but to learn from or support you.  And if they do judge you… the booing always comes from the cheap seats.

But seriously, even if you do not have an empathetic audience.  View all responses as feedback for you; opportunities for interaction and learning point blank period.

3. Put it in perspective

A third way to overcome your public speaking anxiety is to put it in perspective. 

Whenever I get wound up about public speaking, I ask myself, “What is the worst thing that can happen?” And what is the likelihood of that happening? 

If you tried that approach, chances are, your worst-case scenario would be unrealistic.

Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start being thankful about what can go right. And have fun while you are there.

4. Join Toastmasters International

The fourth and my personal favourite way to overcome public speaking anxiety is to join Toastmasters International. This global organisation helps people improve their communication and leadership skills. Toastmasters offers a learn-by-doing program where you can practice your public speaking skills in a supportive and friendly environment. You can also receive constructive feedback, recognition, and mentoring from other members. 

I have been a member for several years, and it has been a rewarding experience.  

Toastmasters can help you become more confident, competent, and comfortable in public speaking and other aspects of your life. You can find a Toastmasters club near you or join an online club by visiting their website. Or you can leave a note in the comments, and I can reach out to you about joining the club I attend – Grenada Gems Toastmasters Club.

Public speaking anxiety is a common fear, but it is not a permanent one. You can overcome it with some strategies and practice and show up more confidently in your career and relationships. You can prepare and practice your speech or presentation, set realistic expectations, put it in perspective, and join Toastmasters.

Doing so can turn your fear into an opportunity to show up as the force that you are. The world needs your input now more than ever before. These tips will have you confidently speaking your peace in no time.

Please comment below if you are interested in joining Toastmasters or have any questions or comments about this blog post. I would love to hear from you. And if you enjoyed this blog post, please subscribe to the 5 Years to 40 blog and podcast, where I share tips and insights on personal and professional development. Thank you for reading, and happy speaking!