Public Speaking Means Finding Your Voice

Public speaking is about sharing what you know and who you are—letting your voice be heard. Even if today you feel anxious about public speaking or haven’t yet reached the level of skill you want, rest assured that you can improve.

In all my years of working as a presentation skills coach, I’ve never met anyone who couldn’t enhance their speaking skills (yes, that means you too!) —as long as you spend time focusing on the right elements, practicing deliberately and seeking out unbiased, constructive feedback. A presentation coach can provide that guidance and help accelerate your progress.

When I first started speaking, I used to memorize my speeches word for word. I’d practice until I was nearly hoarse, determined to recall every line, perfectly timed pause and beautifully crafted word.

In the hours leading up to my speech, I’d worry about forgetting a line and rely on antacids to keep my stomach calm.

During the speech itself, I’d be so focused on remembering my script that I couldn’t fully engage the audience, sometimes stepping on laugh lines or missing cues to pause. In short, it felt more like a performance than a genuine connection with the audience. .

I knew I could do better. Over time, I learned to rely less on memorization—focusing instead on my key points so I could engage the audience and be present in the moment. Through consistent feedback, improv exercises and watching myself on video, I discovered how to stay in the moment, trust myself and connect more naturally with my audience.

I didn’t “wing it.” I prepared and practiced my message and key concepts thoroughly so I could stay present and flexible enough to engage as the situation evolved. Staying in the moment and being “real”—even if it meant the occasional filler word or imperfect phrase—created a stronger connection with the audience.

Successful speaking is built on mastering a set of foundational components, one at a time, combining them through practice and refining them through feedback. Whether you’re a novice speaker looking to conquer stage fright or a seasoned professional seeking to make a bigger impact, you can improve.

With the right approach, you can elevate your skills, strengthen your ability to connect with audiences and contribute your voice more powerfully to the world.