Mastering Public Speaking: Overcoming Nerves and Communicating with Confidence

They say communication is a soft skill, yet it is the foundation of everything we do. Great communication can change your life and advance your career. It’s not just about how you interact with others but also how you speak to yourself.

Public speaking is one of the biggest challenges when it comes to communication. Many people struggle with nerves when they need to present at work, speak on a stage, or even host a virtual meeting. But here’s the truth: 99% of communication issues can be solved by improving the way you listen and express yourself. Presenting makes you more conscious of how you communicate and how you structure your message.

So, let’s tackle the number one dilemma people face when it comes to public speaking: nerves. How do you beat them and become a more confident speaker? I’ll walk you through three common reasons why you feel nervous and how to overcome them.

1. “Everyone is looking at me.”

One of the most common fears is that all eyes are on you. The truth is, this reaction is deeply rooted in evolution. Humans are social creatures meant to function in groups, not stand alone in front of a crowd. When you step up to speak, your brain perceives it as a threat, triggering adrenaline and a fight-or-flight response.

How to Overcome It:

Shift from threat mode to soothe mode by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. Use grounding techniques such as deep breathing, reminding yourself that you are safe.

Focus on your audience instead of yourself. Rather than thinking, “They’re all looking at me,” turn it around and think, “I’m here to help them.” Make your presentation about what the audience gains rather than how you appear.

Engage with the audience by asking them questions. This shifts the attention from you to them, making the experience more interactive and less intimidating.

2. “I will forget my words.”

You might be worrying about forgetting your script, stumbling over words, or dealing with tech failures. The key to overcoming this is preparation.

How to Overcome It:

Rehearse out loud. Reading your notes isn’t enough. Say the words out loud, repeat them, and practice in different settings (e.g., while loading the dishwasher).

Have a backup plan. If your slides fail, can you continue without them? If you forget a point, do you have a story or example you can pivot to?

Stay calm if something goes wrong. The audience reacts to how you handle mistakes. If you stay composed and even make a joke about it, they will remain engaged.

3. “I don’t actually know how to do it.”

Many people have never received formal training in public speaking. It’s not just about standing up and talking; it’s about understanding the audience, structuring your message, and delivering it with confidence.

How to Overcome It:

Use the Performance Pyramid. Every great speech follows a three-step strategy:

Identity: Define what you want to achieve and how you want to come across.

Content: Structure your message clearly so that your audience never feels lost.

Delivery: Use your voice, pace, and body language to enhance engagement.

Set clear success markers. Instead of relying on external validation, define what success looks like for you before you step on stage.

Practice different presentation styles. Whether it’s a TED Talk, a team meeting, or a networking pitch, experiment with different approaches to find what works best for you.

Public speaking doesn’t have to be scary. By understanding the reasons behind your nerves and applying these strategies, you can transform the way you communicate.

What are your biggest challenges with public speaking? Drop a comment or message me privately, and let’s find ways to improve your communication skills together.