“Take a deep breath”, “Just breathe through it” — advice we’ve all heard. But do breathing exercises for public speaking actually work? In this blog, I’m sharing one technique I come back to again and again — a simple breathing exercise that helps me stay calm and connected when the pressure builds. When Pressure Takes Over During […]

Speaking up in meetings didn’t come naturally to me. For years, I stayed quiet—not because I lacked ideas or opinions, but because I doubted their value or worried about how I’d be perceived. Early in my career, I felt the pressure to have the “right” answer or to be an expert before I was qualified […]

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 […]

When you’re working to overcome a fear of public speaking, it can be incredibly helpful to hear from others who understand the experience. Sometimes, a few minutes of the right advice, shared in the right way, can change the way you see things. Over the years, I’ve recommended these TED Talks to women I’ve coached—because […]

Thrown in at the deep end I remember joining a new team a few years ago. I was still finding my feet, learning names, working out the culture, figuring out who was who. And then I was asked to host the team’s away day. For 70 people. Now, I’m naturally an introvert. I’ve always had […]

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 […]

You’ve probably experienced it: standing before a group, heart racing, palms sweaty, mind blank. Despite all the preparation, something feels off. The words don’t land, and the connection with your audience just isn’t there. Public speaking can feel overwhelming, especially when fear gets in the way. Often, that disconnect isn’t about nerves or lack of […]

When you’re nervous about public speaking, understanding the physical signs of nerves can help you stop fighting them—and start finding calm in the moment. You know that feeling. Your heart’s pounding. Your mouth’s dry. Your hands feel shaky and your thoughts start racing ahead. You’re about to speak—maybe it’s just your turn to share something […]

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 […]

Public speaking is one of the most common fears, and if you’ve ever experienced anxiety about public speaking – the racing heart, shaky hands or that sinking feeling when you’re asked to speak – you’re not alone. For years, I avoided it. I’d find ways to duck out of opportunities. I told myself I wasn’t […]