How to Overcome Public Speaking Anxiety: 12 Practical Tips
August 12, 2025
Updated 6 June 2026
The fear of public speaking is common – And Easily Fixed. Because I train people every week in public speaking, I know that speech anxiety or stage fright is one of the most common fears people face. Some surveys suggest it’s more daunting than heights or spiders.
If your palms sweat at the thought of presenting to a room, you’re not alone. Many CEOs we work with share your feelings. And I also once hated public speaking. (I love it now!!)
Meet the Author: Benjamin Ball
Ben is the founder of London-based 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.
How to Get Over Your Public Speaking Fears
The good news is, as proven by our 15+ years of coaching nervous executives, that nervous energy is a natural part of any public speaking situation. When you stand in front of a group of people, it’s common for your heart rate to increase as your body prepares to perform.
Improving public speaking is not just about learning to manage nerves; it’s also about developing effective communication skills.
12 Expert Tips to Overcome Public Speaking Anxiety
How to Get Over Your Public Speaking Anxiety
Let’s review each of these tips that we have developed to overcome public speaking anxiety in more detail:
1. Be a teacher, not a presenter
The biggest mind-set change to overcome the fear of public speaking is to forget that you are presenting. Instead, position yourself as a teacher, helping other people understand.
As a teacher you have a job to do, you are in charge, and you are not the most important person in the room. This simple change, from pupil to teacher will make you feel more confident.
Example
You need to present the monthly numbers. So, rather than say: “Let’s look at the monthly numbers”, instead, say “You’ll be keen to hear that the monthly numbers have improved.”
2. Make your audience the centre of attention
One of the biggest problems we see with speaking nerves comes from the fear of people looking at you and judging you.
So, don’t be the centre of attention, make your audience the centre of attention. And a simple way of achieving this change is to use the word YOU as much as possible in your presentation.
Example
Switch your presentation so that everything you say is about what it means for the audience rather than what it means for you. Rather than saying “In my presentation today I will show you…..” Change it round to: “Today you will see how…..”
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3. Prepare thoroughly, but don’t over-prepare
Preparation reduces anxiety, but over-preparation can have the opposite effect. Knowing your material inside out is vital, but don’t memorise every word. Instead, understand your key points and rehearse them. Using cue cards with key points will help you stay on track. Think of your talk as a conversation rather than a script.
Example
Imagine you’re giving a presentation at a team meeting. Instead of writing a verbatim speech, jot down bullet points of your main ideas and rehearse those. This way, if you lose your place or forget a sentence, you can pivot smoothly to the next point.
4. Practise in front of a safe audience
A key way to build confidence and reduce your fear of public speaking is to practise in front of people you trust. This might be colleagues, family, or friends. You’ll get feedback in a less stressful environment, which can help refine your content and delivery.
Example
You have a fear of public speaking and you’ve been asked to present at an upcoming conference. Before you face the larger audience, present to a small group of your colleagues. Encourage them to ask questions—this will prepare you for interruptions or unexpected queries during the actual event.
5. Start small, build up
If the idea of presenting to a large audience is overwhelming, start with smaller opportunities. Volunteer to speak at smaller meetings or team briefings. Once you feel more comfortable, gradually increase the size of your audience. Toastmasters is one way to get experience
Practise in front of smaller groups before attempting larger audiences. Over time, if you are a nervous speaker, you can learn to channel nerves into enthusiasm, making you more engaging and dynamic.
Example
Maria, a project manager, used to avoid speaking at company-wide events. She started by sharing updates in weekly team meetings. Gradually, she moved on to presenting in department meetings, and now she confidently leads sessions for the whole company.
6. Use visual aids carefully
Slides, images, and graphs can be great tools to support your message and reduce pressure, but don’t rely on them. Visual aids should enhance your talk, not dominate it. Keep them simple—minimal text and impactful visuals will help keep the audience engaged. Make sure you have a message-led presentation, not a slide-led presentation.
Example
If you’re explaining a process change to your team, use a simple diagram to highlight the steps. This takes some of the focus off you and allows you to point to the visual as you explain, making the process feel more conversational.
7. Develop a mindset of service, not performance
Shift your focus from yourself to your audience. Your goal is not to impress them but to provide value, whether through insights, knowledge, or solutions. When you approach public speaking as a way to serve others, it can make the experience less intimidating.
Case Study Example
John, an accountant, used to feel nervous about presenting quarterly results to his clients. After working with one of our coaches, he changed his mindset by thinking about how his insights could help them make better business decisions. This mindset shift reduced his fear of public speaking and improved his delivery.
8. Learn to manage physical reactions
Your body’s reaction to stress can make you feel out of control—shaky hands, a racing heart, or a dry mouth. Addressing these physical symptoms can reduce overall anxiety.
The good news is that there are many effective strategies for overcoming speech anxiety. Deep breathing exercises can help lower blood pressure and calm the nervous system. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is another powerful tool, helping you to reframe your fear and tackle negative thoughts.
Tips:
- Take deep, slow breaths to calm your nervous system. Inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for six.
- Keep a glass of water nearby to manage a dry mouth.
- Practise grounding techniques like making sure your legs are still and your feet are shoulder width apart.
Example
Before her first big presentation, Lydia found that taking deep breaths and walking briefly before going on stage helped calm her nerves.
9. Use many many pauses
When you get nervous, your natural reaction is to speed up – to get it all over with asap. Instead, slow down. Leave a pause – from 1/2 – 1 second, every 5-10 world. It will give you more time to think, and it will help your audience absorb what you say. You will also look much more confident and composed.
Example
Good morning everyone. [pause] Over the next 10 minutes I want to show you something new. [pause] Something interesting [pause]. Something that will make all your lives easier.[pause]. Today I’m going to show you a new expenses platform [pause] that means you’ll all get paid faster [pause] every month. [pause]
10. Use stories and examples to connect
Stories are a powerful tool for public speaking. They engage your listeners, make information more relatable, and give you something familiar to talk about. Think about examples or case studies to illustrate your points. It’s also easier telling stories, because you are no longer the centre of attention.
Example
To overcome your fear of public speaking, don’t dive straight into data about customer satisfaction. Instead, begin with a story about a specific client’s experience. It’s easier to talk about real situations, and it captures your audience’s attention.
11. Seek feedback and learn from each experience
Your first presentation may not be perfect—and that’s okay. Every speaking opportunity is a chance to learn. Ask for feedback from your coach or trusted colleagues and reflect on what went well and what you could improve.
Joining an organisation like Toastmasters is a great first step to reducing a fear of public speaking. This global community helps members improve communication skills in a supportive environment.
Case Study Example
After her first webinar, Sophie asked a colleague for honest feedback. They pointed out her tendency to speak too quickly when nervous. In future talks, she consciously added pauses very few words. As a result she felt her audience listened more closely.
12. Consider a public speaking course
Formal training can make a difference. Public speaking courses from Benjamin Ball Associates help you master techniques, practise in a structured environment, and receive professional feedback. They also provide tools for handling anxiety and improving delivery.
At Benjamin Ball Associates, we have been coaching executives to become better presenters and public speaking with public speaking coaching and presentation skills coaching.
Example
Paul, a sales manager, attended one of our public speaking workshops after struggling with nerves during client presentations. He learned to structure his talks more effectively and found techniques to manage stress. The result? He’s now more confident in pitching to key clients and speaking at conferences.
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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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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What you should do next
- For more articles like this, subscribe to our fortnightly newsletter
- Download some of our free expert guides
- Get in touch and discuss how our intensive presentation coaching and public speaking training courses can help you.
Call our client services director Louise Angus on + 44 20 7018 0922 or email info@benjaminball.com
Find out more.
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For 15+ years we’ve been the trusted choice for leading businesses and executives throughout the UK, Europe and the Middle East. We’ll help you improve corporate presentations through presentation coaching, public speaking training and expert advice on pitching to investors. And we stand out because you benefit from our tried and tested PitchPointTM Process to make sure you make fast and lasting improvements.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety
1. How can I stop being nervous before a presentation?
The most effective way to reduce nerves is to shift your mindset from “performer” to “teacher.” Instead of worrying about being judged, think about the value you are providing to your audience. By helping your listeners understand a concept, you reduce self-consciousness and build natural confidence.
2. Why is it better to prepare than to memorise a speech?
Memorising a script word-for-word actually increases anxiety because if you forget a single sentence, you may lose your place entirely. At Benjamin Ball Associates, we recommend using bullet points and knowing your key “anchors.” This allows you to speak more naturally and stay flexible if the situation changes.
3. How do I manage physical symptoms of public speaking anxiety, like shaking or a dry mouth?
Physical symptoms are caused by adrenaline. To manage them, try “box breathing” (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 6) to calm your nervous system. Stay hydrated to prevent dry mouth and use “grounding” by feeling the weight of your feet on the floor to stop shaking and feel more stable.
4. Is it normal to feel public speaking dread?
Yes, glossophobia (the fear of public speaking) is one of the most common phobias worldwide. The key is not to eliminate the adrenaline, but to reframe it. Instead of telling yourself “I am nervous,” tell yourself “I am excited.” Both emotions feel the same physically; changing the label helps you use that energy to give a more dynamic presentation.
5. How can visual aids help with my speaking anxiety?
Visual aids should act as a support system, not a crutch. Well-designed, simple slides can take the “eyes” off you momentarily, giving you a chance to breathe. However, avoid “death by PowerPoint”—never read directly from your slides, as this disconnects you from your audience and increases tension.
6. Can public speaking coaching really help with deep-seated anxiety?
Yes. Professional coaching provides a safe environment to practice and receive constructive feedback. At Benjamin Ball Associates, our Public Speaking Training uses the proven PitchPoint™ Process to help you master your delivery, structure your content, and build lasting composure in just a few hours.
What you should do next
- For more articles like this, subscribe to our fortnightly newsletter
- Download some of our free expert guides
- Get in touch and discuss how our intensive presentation coaching and public speaking training courses can help you.
Call our client services director Louise Angus on + 44 20 7018 0922 or email info@benjaminball.com
Find out more.
Get a free quote. Speak to an expert
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