How to Overcome Public Speaking Anxiety: 12 Practical Tips

How do you beat public speaking anxiety? What will make you a more confident speaker? What practical advice will overcome public speaking dread?

Meet the Author: Benjamin Ball

Ben is the founder of Benjamin Ball Associates and leads the presentation coaching and pitch deck creation teams. Formerly a corporate financier in the City of London, for 20+ years he’s helped businesses win with better pitches and presentations, particularly investor pitches. He is a regular speaker and a guest lecturer at Columbia Business School and UCL London.  Follow Ben on LinkedIn or visit the contact page. 

Public speaking anxiety is common, but you can conquer it. Here’s a concise breakdown of 12 proven strategies to help you speak with confidence. They are from our coaching team at Benjamin Ball Associates.

1. Shift Your Mindset: Be a Teacher, Not a Performer

Instead of seeing yourself as a nervous presenter, adopt the mindset of a teacher: someone sharing valuable knowledge. This reduces self-consciousness.

2. Talk About on the Audience, Not Yourself

Use “you” more than “I” to shift attention away from your nerves. Example:

• Weak: “I’ll present the quarterly results.”
• Stronger: “You’ll see how these numbers impact your team.”

3. Prepare, But Don’t Memorise

Know your key points, but avoid rigid scripts. Use bullet points in your speaking notes to stay flexible.

4. Practice with a Supportive Group

Rehearse in front of trusted friends or colleagues to build confidence in a low-pressure setting. Record yourself and listen back too.

5. Start Small, Then Scale Up

Begin with small meetings before tackling big audiences. Gradual exposure helps desensitise fear.

6. Use Visual Aids Wisely

Slides should support your talk, not replace it. Keep them simple and visual. Avoid pages of bullets!

7. Serve, Don’t Perform

Work on delivering value to the audience rather than seeking approval.

8. Manage Physical Symptoms

• Breathe deeply (inhale 4 sec, hold 4 sec, exhale 6 sec).
• Drink water to prevent dry mouth.
• Ground yourself (feel your feet on the floor).

9. Reframe Nerves as Excitement

Adrenaline is the same for fear and excitement. Tell yourself, “I’m pumped to share this!”

10. Tell Stories

Stories are easier to deliver than data and make you more relatable. Example:

• Dry: “Customer satisfaction improved by 20%.”
• Engaging: “One client told us this change saved their business…”

11. Seek Feedback & Improve

After each talk, ask for constructive criticism. Join groups like Toastmasters for practice.

12. Take a Public Speaking Course

Professional training (like Benjamin Ball Associates’ Public Speaking Coaching) provides structured techniques to get over public speaking anxiety, master confidence and reduce fear.

Key Takeaway

Public Speaking Anxiety fades with preparation, mindset shifts, and practice. Start small, work on serving your audience and reframe fear as energy.

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For more on confident communication, check out our other posts.

Overcome Public Speaking Anxiety With Our Help

Get in touch today to become confident at public speaking. Discover how our executive speaker training and coaching can transform the impact you make. We’ll help you polish what you say, how you say it and how you feel about saying it.  You’ll end up clear, confident and compelling.

Speak to Louise on +44 20 7018 0922 or email info@benjaminball.com to transform your speeches, pitches and presentations.

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Speak to Louise on +44 20 7018 0922 or email info@benjaminball.com to transform your speeches, pitches and presentations.

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