A few months ago, at a major event, something extraordinary happened. A former student approached me, asking if he could give me a big hug.
His eyes were bright with excitement – a clear contrast to the nervous, shivering person I'd coached months earlier. During our first two sessions, he could barely contain his anxiety, sweating profusely.
Now, he wasn't just managing his fear; he was thriving on stage and eagerly anticipating his next opportunity to showcase his startup.
My Own Battle with Stage Fright
I understand this transformation very well. You see, seventeen years ago, I was in the same position. Before every presentation, anxiety would grip me so tightly that I couldn't eat for 24 hours before taking the stage.
No one knew about my secret because I was feeling so ashamed and vulnerable. A battle that I later realized, many face but few discuss openly.
It Actually Has a Name - Glossophobia
If you're wrestling with glossophobia (the fear of public speaking), you're definitely NOT alone.
Studies show that it affects an astounding 75% of people worldwide, making it the planet's most common phobia. That's right: three out of four people share your concerns about speaking in public.
The Four Pillars of Public Speaking Anxiety
Understanding why we fear public speaking is the first step toward overcoming it. Here are the four main reasons behind this common anxiety that I have experienced during my coaching years:
1. The Fear of Judgment
That spotlight can feel like a microscope, making us hyper-aware of potential mistakes and criticism. It's natural to worry about how others perceive us, but remember – most audiences want you to succeed.
2. Self-Consciousness
Being the center of attention heightens our awareness of every gesture, word, and movement. This increased self-awareness can feel overwhelming, but it's a common experience shared by even the most seasoned speakers.
3. The Experience Gap
Limited exposure to public speaking can amplify our concerns about delivery, content retention, and handling unexpected situations. However, each presentation builds your confidence and expertise.
4. Performance Pressure
The desire to excel and impress can create intense anxiety. Remember, perfection isn't the goal – authentic connection with your audience is what truly matters.
Transform Your Fear Into Power: My Proven Strategies
After years of coaching and witnessing countless transformations, I've developed a comprehensive toolkit of strategies that have helped hundreds of speakers move from paralysis to power.
These aren't just theoretical concepts – they're battle-tested techniques that work.
My 7 Proven Strategies
1. The Power Stance
Plant your feet firmly, shoulder-width heavily to the ground. Feel like your feet are connected with the floor - that you are grounded. And stand tall.
Isn't that a beautiful expression? Standing tall... Love that!
It means that you straighten your back, become a bit taller, shoulders back and you look proud of what you are to present.
And this - let me tell you... This simple posture trick will instantly boost your confidence and help you appear more authoritative.
2. Conquering the Shaking Leg Syndrome
Those trembling legs can feel like they're about to give out, but here's the secret: a slight knee bend works wonders. Just a tiny tiny one. Just enough so that your knees are not locked and are physically unable to shake.
This simple adjustment shifts your center of gravity and provides stability, turning that nervous energy into grounded confidence. Many of my students are amazed at how this one physical change can transform their entire presence on stage.
Remember, a little movement is natural and can actually help release tension.
3. Preparation, Preparation, Preparation
Preparation isn't just about knowing your material – it's your shield against the unexpected. When you master your topic inside and out, organize your content meticulously, and practice until it feels natural, NOT memorized.
The only thing you should memorize is your first 30 seconds. It will during that time give you the possibility to relax and take in the audience. Fantastic trick to decrease anxiety on stage.
Prepare as much as you can. The more prepared you are for even the smallest details, the more prepared you will be for the unexpected.
Walk the stage beforehand to familiarize yourself with the space. Test every piece of equipment you'll use. Choose comfortable shoes that make you feel confident and stable. Create backup plans for potential technical issues.
The more thoroughly you prepare, the more mental space you'll have to engage with your audience rather than worry about what might go wrong.
4. The Mindset Shift
With every speaker I have coached for stage, I have challenged their specific worries and instead encouraged them to visualize success.
I have even done physical exercises with them to more easily visualize success. One of my favorite ones being the Victory pose.
Your mind is powerful – use it to your advantage. Create a pre-presentation ritual that builds your confidence. Prepare your material in advance and read it aloud to hear your voice. This helps you become familiar with how your message sounds and feels, making it more natural when you're on stage.
5. The Breath Anchor
Deep, controlled breathing is your secret weapon against anxiety.
Before your presentation, find a quiet spot and practice deep belly breathing – inhale for four counts, hold for five, exhale for six. During your presentation, use natural pauses to take centering breaths.
This technique not only calms your nerves but also helps modulate your speaking pace and adds powerful emphasis to your key points. (The power of pauses is so underrated!!!)
6. The Communication Focus
Shift your mindset. Instead of thinking about how you're performing, focus on the value you're sharing with your audience.
Go from performance orientation to communication orientation.
Make connections with your audience – smile, greet people, think of them as friends rather than critics. When you focus on serving your audience rather than impressing them, the dynamic completely changes.
Remember: they're interested in your insights, not in judging your delivery.
7. Fearless
Once you are up there, and you have shifted the focus to serve your audience, take a deep breath and start to enjoy.
Enjoy the possibility to share your idea, your vision, and your potential to make an impact. Feel the energy of the room and let it fuel your enthusiasm.
This is your moment to shine, not from a place of ego, but from a place of genuine desire to contribute and connect. The stage becomes your playground for creating meaningful change.
Remember...
Success in public speaking isn't about being perfect – it's about being authentic.
Each presentation is an opportunity to grow, connect, and share your unique perspective with the world. Start with these techniques, practice them consistently, and watch as your confidence grows naturally over time.
Transforming from fearful to fearless isn't just possible – it's a journey I've witnessed countless times, both in my own experience and in the success stories of my students.
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Whenever you're ready - here is how I can help you.
1. My Weekly Newsletter - Subscribe to my newsletter and receive exclusive tips, strategies and resources to craft, develop, and perfect your pitch.
2. Deep-dive Digital Courses - Self-paced courses teaching you the essential tools and skills you need to create and deliver a fantastic pitch so you can go from “I do not know what to say” to “when can I pitch next?
3. Speaking Engagements - I have done in-person and virtual speaking engagements at a number of companies, conferences, and private events covering a variety of topics.
4. 1:1 Coaching - Due to limited time, I only work with a handful of clients each year. If you're interested, click to apply.