Public speaking is one of those skills that can open doors, create opportunities, and leave a lasting impression on people. It’s an ability that some seem to possess naturally, effortlessly commanding attention with every word they say. For me, however, it has become a challenge over time. I wish I could confidently stand in front of an audience and speak without feeling my heart race or my palms sweat.
Interestingly, public speaking was never an issue for me when I was younger. In high school and college, I had many opportunities to speak in front of large crowds. As the valedictorian of both my high school and college, I had to deliver speeches in front of hundreds of people. Surprisingly, I was never nervous back then. I stood on stage, spoke my words, and enjoyed the moment. There was no fear, no hesitation—just a sense of accomplishment and excitement.
But something changed as I grew older. The confidence I once had began to fade, replaced by nervousness and self-doubt. Now, whenever I have to speak in front of an audience, I feel anxious. My mind races with thoughts of how I might stumble over my words or forget what I want to say. The idea of standing in front of a crowd, all eyes on me, makes my stomach twist in knots.
I often wonder why this change happened. Perhaps it’s because, as adults, we become more self-conscious. We worry more about judgment, about making mistakes, about how others perceive us. In school, I spoke without fear because I believed in what I was saying. There was a sense of youthful confidence, a belief that my words mattered. But as time passed, I started doubting myself. What if I don’t sound smart enough? What if people don’t take me seriously? What if I say something wrong? These thoughts creep in and steal the confidence I once had.
Public speaking is not just about words—it’s about presence, about the way you carry yourself, about the energy you bring to the stage. I’ve seen people speak with such poise and charisma that they captivate an audience within seconds. Their voices are steady, their posture strong, their eyes filled with certainty. That’s what I want. I want to be able to stand before a crowd and exude confidence. I want to speak with clarity, with conviction, without my nerves getting in the way.
I know that public speaking is a skill, not just a talent. Like any skill, it can be learned, practiced, and improved. There are techniques to manage nervousness—deep breathing, preparation, visualization, and even embracing the adrenaline instead of fearing it. I’ve read about these methods, and I know they work. But applying them in the moment is the real challenge.
I admire people who can stand in front of an audience and speak as if they were having a casual conversation. They don’t rush their words, they don’t fidget, they don’t let fear control them. They seem to own the space they stand in. That’s the kind of speaker I want to be. I want to be able to speak with confidence, not just appear confident but truly feel it within.
One thing I have realized is that confidence doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from trust. Trusting yourself, trusting your message, and trusting that even if you make a mistake, it’s okay. Nobody expects a perfect speech; they expect authenticity. Perhaps that’s the key I need to focus on—being authentic, speaking from the heart, and letting go of the pressure to be flawless.
I refuse to let fear hold me back. Public speaking is a skill I want to master because I know its power. It can inspire, motivate, and connect people. It can change minds, open doors, and create opportunities. And most importantly, it’s a skill that allows you to express yourself fully and fearlessly.
So, I will keep practicing. I will push past my nerves, challenge my self-doubt, and remind myself of the confident speaker I once was. Because deep down, I know that confidence is still there—I just need to find it again.
How about you? What is a secret skill or ability that you have or would like to have?
