We’ve all heard the stats about how people fear public speaking more than death. But I think we sometimes miss the reason why it matters so much—why it stirs something deep. It’s not just about standing on a stage or delivering a slick presentation. It’s about being seen. Heard. Understood.
And that’s vulnerable.
Whether you’re sharing an idea in a meeting, delivering a pitch, or telling a personal story, public speaking asks us to be visible in ways many of us have been taught to avoid. Especially if you’ve been the quiet one, the thoughtful one, or the one who was told to sit still and not take up too much space.
So yes—public speaking matters. Because it’s not just about speaking. It’s about showing up. And that’s brave.
And Here’s Why It Matters
You might be reading this because you’ve avoided speaking up. Maybe you’ve said no to opportunities. Maybe you’ve watched others take the lead—even when you had something valuable to say. I’ve been there too.
But your voice matters. Not just in big, showy moments, but in the everyday ones. Sharing your ideas in meetings. Speaking up for your team. Saying what you need in a negotiation.
These are the moments that shape your visibility, your credibility, and—let’s be honest—your career.
Because when people don’t hear your voice, they can underestimate your value. And when that happens repeatedly, it affects progression. Promotion. Influence. All the things you’ve worked hard for.
Finding a way to speak—despite the fear—isn’t about ego. It’s about fairness. About being part of the conversation. About taking your place, even when it feels uncomfortable.
Why It Feels So Hard
Let’s be honest. It’s hard because it feels personal. When we speak in front of others, we invite judgment. We risk getting it wrong. And if you’ve ever been laughed at, overlooked, or told you seem nervous, those moments stay with you.
We carry them into the meeting room, onto the panel, into the pitch.
And then we wonder why our heart’s racing and our hands are shaking.
There’s nothing wrong with you if you find it difficult. It is difficult. Not because you’re not capable, but because you care. Because you want to do justice to what you’re saying. Because you’re human.
Understanding Your Fear: What’s Really Happening in Your Mind
When fear shows up before we speak, it’s not random. It’s your nervous system doing its job.
The brain’s threat response—the part wired to keep you safe—doesn’t distinguish between a tiger in the wild and a room full of peers. It just senses risk. Exposure. Uncertainty. And it floods your body with adrenaline to get you out of there.
You’re not imagining it. It’s physical. You can feel the tension in your jaw, the butterflies in your stomach, the rush of thoughts convincing you you’re not ready.
This is your brain protecting you.
But here’s the twist: the fear doesn’t mean you’re not supposed to do it. It means you’re doing something that matters. Something just outside your comfort zone. And your job isn’t to fight the fear—it’s to understand it.
You’re Not Broken If You’re Nervous: Embracing Your Humanity
We don’t talk enough about the fact that nerves are normal. Not a flaw. Not a sign you’re not cut out for this. Just a natural part of stretching into something new.
I still get nervous when I speak sometimes. I still feel the tightness in my chest and the voice in my head saying, “Who do you think you are?” But I’ve learned to see those nerves as part of the process—not a problem to be fixed, but a response to be acknowledged.
Nerves mean you care. They mean you’re present.
The goal isn’t to eliminate fear—it’s to learn how to speak with it in the room. To steady yourself, ground your breath, and speak anyway. Not perfectly, but honestly.
Because when you speak with heart—when you show up real and a little wobbly—it gives others permission to do the same.
What’s Next?
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the physical signs of nerves—shaky hands, dry mouth, racing thoughts—you’re not alone. Next week, I’ll be sharing what’s really going on in your body when fear kicks in, and the simple, practical things you can do to feel more grounded in the moment.
These signs don’t mean you’re not cut out for speaking. They just mean your nervous system is doing what it’s designed to do. And once you understand that, things start to shift.
Want Support to Feel Calmer and More Confident When You Speak?
If you’re still wondering how to move through the fear and find more steadiness, I’d love to support you. The Confidence Blueprint is my one-to-one coaching programme for women who want to stop avoiding the moments that matter and start speaking with more ease.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about building confidence in a way that feels sustainable and real—so you can say yes to the opportunities you care about.
You can find out more on the website, or drop me a message if you’d like to talk it through.
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