You’ve been avoiding public speaking. Or maybe you’ve forced yourself to do it, hoping the fear would disappear. But nothing seems to be changing. And that’s exhausting. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone — and you’re not broken. You’re simply stuck. So let’s talk about how to get moving again.
If you’re feeling like nothing is working, this blog is for you. I’ve been there. I’ve felt that tight knot in my stomach before a meeting, the relief when something got cancelled, the frustration that came from saying yes to an opportunity and then walking away from it. Here’s what helped me move forward — and what might help you too.
1. Reconnect with Why You’re Doing This
For me, getting unstuck wasn’t just about being braver — it started with getting clear on why I was doing this in the first place. If you’re trying to overcome a fear of public speaking, start by asking: Why does this matter to me? What’s the cost of staying where I am? And what’s possible if I start moving forward?
For me, the shift happened when I realised fear was holding me back from work I cared deeply about. I was passionate about helping women speak up and lead — but I wasn’t speaking up myself. That misalignment became too uncomfortable to ignore.
Purpose gives you a powerful reason to begin. But more than that, it gives you something to come back to when your motivation dips — and it will dip. There will be challenging moments, setbacks, and days when it all feels too much. Your why will help you keep going.
If you’re not sure where to start, try journaling on these prompts:
- What would I do if fear wasn’t getting in the way?
- What do I want my voice to stand for?
- What am I tired of missing out on?
You don’t need to have it all figured out — just start with a glimpse of what matters to you. If you want to explore purpose further then check out this blog “Why purpose matters in public speaking.”
2. Set One Clear, Achievable Goal to improve your Public Speaking Skill
Trying to “get over” a fear of public speaking overnight isn’t realistic — and it puts unnecessary pressure on you. Instead, pick one meaningful goal to work towards.
My first goal was to stop turning things down automatically. Even if I didn’t feel ready, I’d give myself time to consider it — then I’d start to speak up despite the nerves. That changed everything.
Make your goal something you can track — progress builds confidence. Don’t know where to start? This blog might help, “2025: A Year to Overcome Public Speaking Anxiety.”
3. Notice What You’re Already Good At
When fear takes over, it’s easy to forget what you already bring to the table. But public speaking isn’t just about projection and presence — it’s about connection.
Maybe you’re a thoughtful communicator. Maybe people listen when you speak. Maybe you’re good at storytelling or you know how to read a room. These strengths count — and they’re part of your speaking toolkit.
I used to think I had to become someone totally different — more assertive, more polished, more “speaker-like.” But when I started noticing the strengths I already had — like empathy, authenticity and clarity — I realised I didn’t need to become someone else. I just needed to bring me into the room.
4. Build Confidence Through Consistent Action
Overcoming a fear of public speaking doesn’t happen by thinking about it — it happens by doing. But that doesn’t mean you need to start with a TED Talk.
Confidence is built in the small, repeated steps. Practice regularly — even if it’s reading aloud, rehearsing in front of a mirror, or contributing to a WhatsApp voice note thread.
The important thing is to keep going. Fear hates momentum — and the more consistent you are, the more it starts to shrink. If you want to stop avoiding opportunities and taking regular action then why not take a look at this blog, “Become a Great Public Speaker: Why Consistent Action is Key.”
5. Ask for Support (And Let Go of Shame)
If you feel nervous when you speak in public, there’s nothing wrong with you. Public speaking is a skill — not a personality trait. Yet so many people carry shame around this. I did too.
What helped me shift was getting support — from coaching, from peers, from people who’d been through it and got it. It reminded me I wasn’t alone.
You don’t have to do this by yourself. Join a group, talk to a mentor, or reach out to someone who can walk alongside you. There’s strength in asking for help.
6. Track Your Wins and Work on Your Mindset
Keep a record of your progress — no matter how small. That meeting where you made a point? Write it down. That moment where you felt the fear but did it anyway? Celebrate it.
Public speaking is just as much about mindset as it is about delivery. And that mindset can be shaped. When the inner critic shows up (“You’re not good at this,” “Everyone else is better”), learn to notice it and name it. It’s just fear doing what fear does. But it doesn’t get to make the decisions anymore.
Final Thought: You’re Not Stuck. You’re Starting.
If this fear has been with you for a while, you might feel like things will never change. But they can. And they do. You’re not stuck — you’re standing at the starting line.
If you’re ready to take the next step, my new online course, Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking, is now open. It’s a self-paced, supportive programme designed to help you build confidence, find your voice, and speak with purpose — in your way, on your terms.
You can find all the details here.
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