When I worked in the Civil Service, I remember being sent on one of those traditional public speaking courses. It covered the usual things: how to structure a presentation, how to use your hands, and how to smile more. The advice on dealing with nerves was minimal, limited to suggestions like sipping water or taking a breath. At the time, I was deep in the throes of public speaking anxiety, and I can assure you, no amount of water was going to help me.
It was well-meaning. But it missed the point entirely.
Why Most Public Speaking Courses Miss the Mark
The problem isn’t that women don’t know how to smile. Or that they haven’t figured out how to use PowerPoint. The problem is deeper than that—and it’s one that traditional public speaking training rarely touches.
Most public speaking courses focus on content and delivery techniques. But for many women, the biggest barriers to speaking up aren’t tactical—they’re emotional, cultural, and systemic.
These challenges aren’t just anecdotal—they’re reflected in the data. This McKinsey report shows how women continue to face invisible barriers in the workplace that directly affect their confidence and visibility.
The Hidden Barriers Women Face
We’ve internalised years of subtle (and not-so-subtle) messages: don’t be too much. Don’t be too loud. Don’t draw attention to yourself. And certainly don’t come across as too ambitious.
So when we stand up to speak, it’s not just nerves we’re dealing with. It’s a weight of expectation. A fear of judgement. And a lifetime of being encouraged to play small.
That’s why tips like “just breathe” or “picture everyone naked” can feel so inadequate. They don’t address the real reason your voice shakes or your mind goes blank.
Why Mindset Matters in Public Speaking Courses
They also don’t help you build the kind of confidence that lasts. Confidence that’s grounded in knowing who you are, what matters to you, and why your voice deserves to be heard.
What’s missing is mindset work. Not in a fluffy, ‘just think positive’ way—but in an honest, practical way that recognises the very real challenges women face.
We need public speaking training that starts from a different place. That doesn’t assume everyone’s starting on a level playing field. That acknowledges the cultural baggage many women carry into the room with them. And that offers tools for working with fear—not pretending it isn’t there. Public speaking isn’t just about techniques; it’s about overcoming the deeper barriers that hold you back.
What to Look For in Public Speaking Courses
If you’re ready to stop letting fear control your voice, here are a few things to consider when seeking support:
- Look for a program that understands the emotional side of public speaking: Techniques are important, but real change comes from addressing the mindset and underlying fears that often go unspoken.
- Choose support that speaks to your unique challenges as a woman: Ensure that any course or coach recognises the cultural and systemic pressures that can impact how women show up in public speaking situations.
- Seek out a personalised approach: Find a resource that offers real-time support, feedback, and opportunities to practice in a safe, encouraging environment.
Start small, take one step at a time, and remember — your voice deserves to be heard.
Want to Feel More Confident About Public Speaking?
My online self-paced course, Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking, is designed to help you understand what’s really going on when nerves kick in, and give you practical tools to build confidence from the inside out. We explore mindset, purpose, and simple strategies that work in real life—not just in theory.
If you’re ready to feel differently about speaking up, you can find out more here. When you enroll in the online course there’s also a monthly live Q&A session where you can bring your questions, hear from others, and get extra support as you work through the material.
You can also join the waitlist for the next live group workshop. It’s a great way to take this work further in a supportive, small-group setting.
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