“I could never do that. That’s my worst fear.”
It’s the most common response I hear when I tell someone I’m a keynote speaker.
And I get it. I used to be terrified of public speaking too.
A 2001 Gallup poll found that 40% of Americans cited public speaking as their top fear—more than double the number who feared death. From a psychological standpoint, it makes sense. Public speaking wraps all social anxieties into one intense, immediate experience, while death remains an abstract concept.
Back in the day, just the thought of getting on stage was enough to trigger full-body sweats. My heart would pound so loudly I couldn’t hear anything else. My breathing would become erratic and my mind would empty out everything but panic and the overwhelming urge to flee. My face would twitch uncontrollably as if my anxiety was trying to escape.
So, how did I go from that to speaking for a living?
Practice. Lots and lots of practice.
Early on, I knew that mastering public speaking could set me apart, so I made myself volunteer for every team presentation. While everyone else sighed with relief, I was silently battling my nerves.
I would practice my presentation beyond the point of sanity. Over and over, until it was muscle memory. I’d rehearse my intonation, facial expressions, and every word until I didn’t have to think about them anymore. That way, when my brain inevitably blanked out, my body would keep going on autopilot.
Through practice and feedback, I gained confidence. Seeing myself on video was a game changer too. I realized that while I was a wreck inside, the anxiety wasn’t visible to the audience. My practiced performance held up, even when I felt like I was falling apart.
But in the corporate world, speaking came with a script—and a lot of people watching to make sure I didn’t stray from it. Every presentation was scrutinized, edited, and reviewed by multiple layers of management before it was approved. And there were always things I had to avoid saying—big, red-flag topics that could get me in trouble.
It’s like being told not to think about a pink elephant. Suddenly, that’s all you can think about.
This micromanagement added another layer to my anxiety. What if I accidentally mentioned the pink elephant? Could I lose my job? Maybe.
But the real turning point came when I left the corporate world. That’s when public speaking transformed from a high-anxiety chore into something I genuinely love.
The magic bullet was when I started speaking my own words, about things that matter deeply to me.
Everything changed when I started sharing my own stories and ideas. Speaking became less about delivering a perfect performance and more about connecting with my audience. My body still vibrates before I step on stage, but the source of vibration is excitement, not anxiety. I felt alive and present, no longer scanning the room for the nearest exit.
I love speaking about how to use the power of business to make the world better. I love sharing how embedding purpose into a business can make even the most mundane task meaningful.
If you hate public speaking—or any other activity—the reason might surprise you. Like me, maybe you haven’t had the opportunity to step into that space authentically. Or maybe you haven’t discovered how what you’re doing connects with something you truly care about.
Standing up for something that matters to you brings a completely different energy.
It’s not about conquering fear—it’s about finding your voice.
P.S. Looking to inspire your employees? I speak on corporate purpose strategy, sustainability, ESG, and social impact. Find out about my keynotes and how to book me here!
