Public speaking is one of the most dreaded areas in soft skills training, often testing our communication skills under pressure. There’s a funny paradox about public speaking: many of us are perfectly comfortable chatting with friends, family, or colleagues in everyday life, but put us on a stage in front of a crowd, and suddenly we’d rather be anywhere else—like in the dentist chair, perhaps. As someone who’s been coaching and speaking for years, I can tell you—this fear is universal. It doesn’t discriminate by age, experience, or even how confident you might feel in other areas of life.
1. Fear of Judgment
Whether it’s a formal presentation or a casual communication skills exercise, the thought of speaking in front of a group is intimidating and a key part of soft skills training. One big reason people avoid public speaking like the plague is fear of judgment. In our heads, the audience isn’t just watching; they’re assessing, critiquing and – heaven forbid – spotting all our flaws. Most of us have this inner critic who’s incredibly good at magnifying every little misstep. That’s a lot to bear in a single moment. In reality, the audience is rarely as harsh as we imagine. They’re likely more interested in the message than in scrutinising our every move. I often remind clients to think of the audience as individuals with their own insecurities and fears, many of whom would rather not be speaking either! Shifting this perspective is a powerful first step.
2. Fear of Failure and Embarrassment
Public speaking brings out the primal fear of failing publicly, which is a nightmare for most. The thought of forgetting your points, mixing up words, or, worst of all, going blank can send shivers down anyone’s spine. I’ve seen seasoned professionals—people who handle high-stakes situations daily—freeze up when it’s their turn to speak in front of a group.
Here’s a little communication skills tip: no one remembers your speech word-for-word. Even if you make a small mistake, people will most likely remember the overall impression and key messages. Aim for connection over perfection, and remember that a little vulnerability can actually make you more relatable. We touch on this more in my Blog “How to use stories to deliver a Kickass speech”.
3. The Brain’s Survival Instinct
When we’re up on stage, our brain still sometimes operates as if we’re facing a saber-tooth tiger. The ‘fight or flight’ response kicks in, adrenaline rushes through our body, and suddenly, our mind has decided that public speaking is a genuine threat. It’s biology’s less helpful side. But this surge of adrenaline can actually be harnessed if we can treat that energy as excitement rather than fear. With a slight mindset shift, the physical symptoms of nervousness can work in your favour, keeping you alert and engaged. Channelling nervous energy into positive enthusiasm takes practice, but it makes a world of difference.
4. Self-Imposed Pressure to Be Perfect
There’s an idea that to be a “good speaker,” you must be perfect. This can tie into imposter syndrome—a feeling of inadequacy that’s especially common among high achievers. It’s as if we believe we’ve managed to trick people into thinking we’re competent and knowledgeable, and that public speaking will expose us as frauds. Every point needs to land, every word needs to resonate, and a slip-up is simply unacceptable. Yet, perfection is rarely what resonates with people. Authenticity does. Audiences don’t need flawless delivery; they’re drawn to speakers who are genuine. Personally, I think the occasional stumble or unplanned moment can make a speech more engaging. Audiences are human, and they connect best with someone who’s a bit like them—imperfections and all. Owning that knowledge goes a long way in boosting your confidence. Improving communication skills isn’t just about speaking; it’s about understanding your audience and refining how you convey your message and connect with them.
5. Lack of Confidence and Self-Belief
This is a big one. Confidence isn’t just a handy quality for speakers; it’s a necessity. Without confidence, even the most meticulously prepared speech can feel unconvincing. Confidence allows a speaker to hold the audience’s attention and showcase strong communication skills, which are critical outcomes of effective soft skills training. Building confidence for public speaking, like any skill, takes time. It doesn’t happen overnight, but you don’t have to be an extrovert to make it happen. Practicing in front of a mirror, recording yourself, or even speaking to smaller, trusted groups are all good starting points. Once you see progress, that confidence will grow. As I’ve said in Let’s Get Real, building self-awareness is a powerful step toward building self-assurance in every area, including speaking.
6. Fear of the Unknown
When you’re not sure how the audience will react, it’s natural to feel uneasy. Will they laugh? Will they nod? Will they understand what I’m saying? It’s hard to know beforehand. Yet, every time you step into the unknown, you grow.
I often advise clients to embrace the unpredictability of public speaking. Not every reaction is within our control, and that’s okay. Instead of fearing the unknown, view it as an opportunity to learn, adapt, and improve. Sometimes, the best insights come from unplanned moments on stage.
7. Lack of Preparation and Practice
Lastly, there’s no substitute for preparation. Even the best speakers don’t rely on natural talent alone; they prepare, they rehearse, they revise. One of the biggest reasons people fear public speaking is simply because they don’t feel prepared. My advice? Over-prepare, but stay flexible. Practice your material so well that you could discuss it even if the PowerPoint crashes, the microphone dies, or someone’s phone goes off in the middle of your speech. Preparation provides a solid foundation, but adaptability keeps you resilient.
Final Thoughts
Public speaking might feel as daunting as showing up to a board meeting in your pyjamas by mistake. However, I can promise you that, like any skill, it gets easier with practice, a bit of self-awareness, and embracing the fact that a little imperfection never hurt anyone. With the right soft skills training and a dedication to enhancing your communication skills, public speaking can become less daunting. The difference between those who succeed and those who struggle often boils down to mindset and preparation. Keep it real, focus on connecting rather than impressing, and you’ll be surprised at how powerful a speaker you can become.
