Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking

I used to hate giving presentations. The thought of it made me feel sick and I spent more time thinking of ways to get out of it than I did actually preparing for it.

Sound familiar?

The good news is everyone gets a little nervous when they have to speak in front of a bunch of people, so you’re definitely not alone. Even teacher me, who gives presentations for a living.

The bad news is public speaking is basically a part of life.

At one point or another, you are going to have to talk in public. It sucks – I know, but I promise it’s not the end of the world. And there are many ways to make the process a little easier.

As someone who gets more than a little nervous for presentations, here’s what I do to overcome my fear of public speaking.

Update: I originally wrote this post in college (nearly 5 years ago!). 2022 Laramie’s comments are all italicized throughout this post for clarity. I now LOVE public speaking. I am living proof you can go from public speaking panic attacks to volunteering to talk to big crowds. If I can do it, anyone can.

First, you need to know what you are getting into when you present.

Regardless of the presentation you are giving, you need to know what is expected of you when it is your turn to speak.

How long you are supposed to present? What should your topic be? Are there any other requirements (e.g., additional materials you need to bring)?

Do your research. Once you know exactly what is expected of you, you can focus on crafting a great presentation.

Pick a topic you are familiar with.

If you get to choose your presentation topic, pick something you already understand and enjoy talking about or something that interests you. It is a lot easier to do the work and share your knowledge with other people if you are genuinely excited about it.

This isn’t always an option for everyone; sometimes you are going to have to present on things you don’t like. But if you can choose, choose thoughtfully.

Write your presentation and get your extra materials together.

My fear of public speaking is always at its worst before I prepare my materials, not after. Seriously, avoidance is your enemy here. Start with a simple bulleted list of the sub-topics you want to cover and then expand that list into an outline.

When I had to speak at a conference in NYC, I was terrified for the conference and considered backing out until I sat down and wrote out my presentation. Once I had it written, I felt a lot better because I was more prepared.

Which brings me to my next point:

Practice, practice, and practice more.

Practice alone until you are satisfied with your progress. Then practice in front of a friend or two. If you have the option, practice in front of people who are not close friends – coworkers, classmates, or a mentor. This gives you some experience presenting to people who you aren’t totally comfortable with.

If you want to avoid sounding like a robot during your presentation, don’t script exactly what you are going to say, focus on the idea you are trying to get across in each slide and let the words flow a little more naturally. (My thesis defense is the only presentation I didn’t script and it was by-far my most relaxed and natural sounding one.) Teacher me doesn’t script anything anymore. I have a list of facts or topics to share and just let the words flow naturally. Getting to this point takes time and confidence though.

Bonus tip: Practice right before you go to bed. I don’t know why, but I always have an easier time remembering my presentation the next day when I practice before bed.

Don’t over-practice your presentation the day of your speech.

Wait, what? But you just told me to practice a ton?  I know, I know. Telling you to practice a lot but not too much is confusing. Hear me out.

Not practicing too much is actually extremely important. After practicing for a while, it can be difficult to form the words and get your thoughts in order because you get tired. Take this into consideration.

In the end, being a perfectionist and over-practicing won’t help one bit. 

Dress to impress.

I’m a big believer that if you dress the part, it will be easier for you to play the part. So if you wear your pajamas on presentation day, you will probably won’t feel like a million bucks standing in front of everyone.

But if you dress like a professional, you’re more likely to feel like comfortable during your presentation. Make sure you are meeting any dress code requirements AND feeling your best.

I always wear a pant & blazer combo that makes me feel like I’m an FBI agent when I present. And let me tell you, it’s a huge confidence boost.

Beware of the trap of looking nice but feeling uncomfortable. If you look good but your belt is digging into your stomach or your shirt is really itchy, change your outfit. You want to look AND feel good.

Even if you don’t care how you look, as a general rule, you should always dress nicely for your presentation. For class presentations (at mimimum), wear jeans without holes and stains and a nice shirt.

Wear a blazer with jeans and you’re winning.

Show up to your presentation.

Don’t skip a presentation no matter how tempting it may be. The only way you can overcome your crippling fear of public speaking is to show up and speak publicly (sucks, I know).

Bonus tip: talk about how nervous you are with other people. There is something therapeutic about sharing how you feel with people around you. They usually try to support you and saying it out loud can give you some relief.

I give presentations for a living, and there are still days where I have to force myself to show up. And you know what? I never regret showing up even when a presentation doesn’t go well.

Pick a mantra that helps you calm your nerves while you are waiting to present.

Mine is “I know more about my topic than all these losers.”

I don’t actually think anybody in my audience is a loser, but using ‘people’ doesn’t feel quite as empowering. I’m not proud of it, but it gives me the courage to get up and walk to the podium (or front of the classroom).

Sometimes, when I’m feeling less vulgar, I tell myself that it will all be over soon. Because it will be.

I actually use a more vulgar word than “losers” when I say this in my head. You do you, my friend. Nobody has to know your mantra.

Remember, nobody wants you to fail.

Seriously – nobody is hoping your presentation is terrible and no one is laughing about your mistakes. Especially in a college classroom – they’re just as nervous as you even if they don’t show it.

Everyone in the audience wants you to rock your speech. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel empowered by that.

Stand up and start talking.

I promise, once you stand up to present, time flies by. It will be over before you know it. The hardest part is just standing up.

I believe in you.

Public speaking can be scary, but I am confident that you can rock your next presentation. I know this post was a long one, so thank you for reading through the end! 

Take a deep breath and remember that this presentation won’t last forever and it will be over before you know it. You can do this.

Looking for more support on your next presentation? I’m here to help you prep. Click here to learn more!