-Treta Shenai, Design Thinking Faculty @ StartupYou
Have you ever sat in class, knowing the answer but hesitated to raise your hand? Maybe you wanted to introduce yourself at a family gathering but felt too nervous? Or perhaps, making new friends at school felt overwhelming because you weren’t sure what to say?
If you have felt this way, you are not alone. The fear of speaking in public isn’t just something students face—it’s one of the most common fears worldwide. Even adults, including experienced professionals, struggle with it. According to a study by the National Institute of Mental Health, about 75% of people experience some level of anxiety about public speaking. That means three out of four people in a room might be just as nervous as you are!
But here’s the good news—public speaking is not a talent you are born with; it’s a skill you can learn. Let’s explore how you can build this confidence step by step.
1. Even Great Speakers Were Once Nervous
2. Start Small: Speak Up in Everyday Situations
Public speaking doesn’t mean standing on a stage in front of a large audience. It starts with simple conversations:
- Answering a question in class
- Introducing yourself to new classmates
- Sharing a story with friends or family
3. Practice, Practice, Practice!
One of the best ways to get better at public speaking is to practice. Just like learning a new sport or musical instrument, the more you do it, the more comfortable you’ll become.
Tips to practice:
- Record yourself speaking and watch it back to see where you can improve.
- Practice in front of a mirror to observe your expressions and gestures.
- Start with a small audience—ask a friend or family member to listen.
4. Focus on Your Message, Not on Yourself
A big reason why we feel nervous is because we focus too much on ourselves—What if I make a mistake? What if people laugh at me? Instead, shift your focus to your message.
Think about why you are speaking. Are you sharing an idea? Telling a story? Explaining something to help others?
When you focus on the purpose of your speech rather than on yourself, your nervousness will reduce, and your confidence will grow.
5. Mistakes Are Okay—Keep Going!
Many students fear public speaking because they worry about making mistakes. But guess what? Even professional speakers make mistakes. The key is to keep going instead of stopping.
If you forget a word or stutter, just pause, take a breath, and continue. Your audience won’t even notice most of the time.
Remeber- You’ve Got This!
Public speaking isn’t about being perfect—it’s about having the confidence to share your thoughts and ideas.
So next time you’re in class, challenge yourself to speak up just once. The more you practice, the easier it will get. And who knows? One day, you might be the one giving a TEDx talk, inspiring other students just like you!
Do you have a personal story about overcoming your fear of speaking? Share it in the comments below! Let’s learn from each other.
