Why Fear of Public Speaking Is Natural—and How to Master It?

Its completely normal!

There’s something almost darkly humorous about being terrified of public speaking. You stand there, heart pounding like a drum, convinced that any second now, everyone’s going to see right through you. Being terrified of public speaking is more common than you might think. I’ve been there—frozen by the fear of what might go wrong. But here’s the truth: that fear is simply part of being human, tied to our basic instincts. It’s your mind’s way of protecting you from the unknown, and it doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you. The good news is, you can learn to navigate it. In this article, I’ll walk you through the ups and downs of my experience and offer some tips that might just help you, too.

Being terrified of public speaking Is…OK! But why!?

Let’s face it, being terrified of public speaking isn’t exactly a rare condition. In fact, it’s more like a rite of passage—a fear rooted in our most basic human instincts. When you stand in front of a crowd, all eyes on you, your brain starts to send out alarms. It’s not that different from how our ancestors might have felt when faced with a dangerous predator. The mind doesn’t always differentiate between a physical threat and the social pressure of public speaking. It reacts the same way—by triggering a fight-or-flight response.

Terrified of public speaking symptoms

If you’ve ever felt your heart race, your hands shake, or your voice tremble when speaking in public, you’re not alone. These are all classic symptoms for anyone who’s terrified of public speaking. It’s your body’s way of preparing for what it perceives as a threat. For me, the symptoms were always the same: a tightening in my chest, sweaty palms, and a mind that seemed to go blank the moment I started speaking. These physical reactions can be unsettling, but they’re also completely normal. They’re just part of how we’re wired.

Some people experience dry mouth, while others might find their voice wavering or their hands trembling uncontrollably. There are those who feel a sudden urge to flee the scene altogether, as if they could somehow escape the invisible danger looming over them. For years, I battled with these symptoms, convinced they were a sign of my inadequacy. But over time, I came to understand that these reactions were not failures—they were simply my body’s way of responding to the stress of public speaking.

Recognizing these symptoms as normal was a critical step in managing them. Instead of letting the fear take control, I began to anticipate these feelings and prepare for them. I learned to recognize the signs early, so I could employ techniques to calm my nerves before they spiraled out of control. Whether it’s deep breathing exercises, grounding techniques, or even just pausing to take a sip of water, these small actions helped me regain control and focus.

What causes fear of public speaking?

The fear of public speaking often stems from a deep-seated worry about being judged or making a mistake. When you’re truly terrified of public speaking, this worry can feel overwhelming and sometimes paralyzing. We’re hardwired to care about how others perceive us, and public speaking puts us in a vulnerable position where we feel exposed. For me, it was the fear of saying the wrong thing, of stumbling over my words, or of not being good enough that always held me back. This fear is usually tied to past experiences, cultural expectations, and even personality traits. But understanding where it comes from is the first step toward managing it.

Digging deeper into this fear, I realized that it often comes from a place of perfectionism. The idea that every word must be flawless, every point perfectly articulated, creates immense pressure. I found myself stuck in this mindset, believing that anything less than perfection would result in failure or ridicule. But this is an unrealistic standard, and one that only serves to amplify anxiety. Accepting that mistakes are a natural part of the process was a significant breakthrough for me.

Another common cause is the fear of the unknown. Public speaking often involves stepping into unfamiliar territory—whether it’s addressing a new audience, speaking on a topic that’s not your expertise, or simply standing in front of people who are strangers to you. This uncertainty can trigger anxiety, as our minds race to fill in the gaps with worst-case scenarios. To combat this, I learned to focus on what I could control: my preparation, my message, and my delivery. By shifting my focus from the unknown to the known, I was able to reduce my anxiety and increase my confidence.

What is the phobia of public speaking called?

Glossophobia—that’s the official name for the fear of public speaking. It’s a specific type of social anxiety disorder that affects a significant portion of the population. But just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s insurmountable. Knowing that there’s a name for it can be oddly comforting; it’s a reminder that you’re not alone in this struggle and that there are ways to cope with it.

Understanding glossophobia as a social anxiety disorder also helped me realize that this fear isn’t just about public speaking—it’s about the underlying fear of social judgment and rejection. This perspective allowed me to approach my fear with more empathy towards myself. It wasn’t a weakness or a flaw in my character; it was a challenge that I could work through with the right strategies and mindset.

7 Tips to overcome your fear of public speaking

So, how do you go from being terrified of public speaking to speaking with confidence? It’s not about eliminating the fear entirely but learning to manage it. Here are seven tips that helped me along the way.

Know your material

The more familiar you are with your content, the less likely you are to get thrown off. I found that knowing my material inside and out gave me something to hold onto when my nerves threatened to get the best of me. This doesn’t just mean memorizing your speech—it means understanding the topic so well that you can speak about it naturally and with authority, even if you stray from your notes.

Practice, practice, practice!

There’s no getting around this one. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become. I spent countless hours recording myself, playing back the footage, and refining my delivery. It wasn’t glamorous, but it worked. Practice doesn’t just make perfect—it makes permanent. By rehearsing repeatedly, I was able to internalize my material and develop mu

Start small

Begin with low-stakes situations—talking to a small group of friends or presenting in a casual setting. This helps build your confidence gradually without the pressure of a large audience. I started by giving short talks to close friends, where the stakes were low, and the feedback was constructive. As my confidence grew, I began to tackle larger groups and more formal settings. Each small victory built upon the last, helping to diminish the fear over time.

Visualize success

Instead of focusing on everything that could go wrong, try to visualize yourself succeeding. This mental rehearsal can help reduce anxiety and improve your performance. Visualization became a key part of my preparation routine. I would close my eyes and imagine myself delivering my speech confidently, seeing the audience respond positively. This not only helped calm my nerves but also set a positive tone for the actual event.

Focus on your message, not on yourself

Shift your focus from how you’re being perceived to the value of what you’re saying. When I stopped worrying about how I looked or sounded and started thinking about the message I wanted to convey, my anxiety started to diminish. By making the content the priority, I was able to reduce the pressure I placed on myself to perform perfectly.

Embrace the fear

This might sound counterintuitive, but instead of trying to fight the fear, I learned to accept it. A little nervous energy can actually keep you sharp and focused. By acknowledging the fear rather than resisting it, I found that it became less overwhelming. I learned to channel that nervous energy into my delivery, using it to enhance my performance rather than hinder it.

Seek feedback

Constructive criticism from people you trust can be incredibly valuable. It helps you improve and reassures you that you’re on the right track. Early in my journey, I would seek feedback from friends and colleagues after each presentation. Their insights helped me identify areas for improvement and gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward. Over time, this feedback loop became a critical part of my growth as a speaker.

How I overcame my fear of public speaking?

Facing my terror of public speaking felt like stepping into the ring with an opponent I couldn’t quite see but could definitely feel. It wasn’t a clean fight—it was messy, unpredictable, and filled with more missteps than I care to admit. Every time I walked into a meeting, the fear was there, waiting, reminding me that I was about to be judged, scrutinized, maybe even ridiculed. To tackle this, I tried everything—personal coaching, online courses, theoretical approaches, books, videos—you name it, I tried it. And while I made some progress, the deep transformation I was seeking seemed elusive.

Sharing my methodology

The challenges I faced led me to the idea of sharing my approach with others struggling with the same fear, to help them navigate it more easily and swiftly. I often think about how much easier it would have been if I’d known this sooner. That’s what inspired me to create Quwa—a platform designed to guide others through a more straightforward path.

The best way

to overcome a fear is…

As an educational engineer, I knew there had to be a better way, so I decided to develop my own methodology. I realized that to truly overcome this fear, I needed to face it head-on, immersing myself in the very thing that terrified me. I practiced relentlessly—recording myself, scrutinizing every mistake, and then doing it all over again. I didn’t just tiptoe around my fear; I confronted it with intensity and repetition.

It’s all about the mindset!

I started small, giving speeches in front of close friends, gradually expanding my audience as my confidence grew. What I discovered was that the fear never entirely goes away—it’s always there, lurking in the background. But the key wasn’t in eliminating the fear; it was in changing my mindset and embracing it as part of the process. I came to understand that public speaking is a skill, one that can be honed through hard work and persistence.

Maybe I’m just shy…

For the longest time, I believed I was just a shy person, that maybe nothing could change that. But this experience taught me otherwise. The transformation didn’t happen overnight, but when it did, I realized that with the right approach, anyone can develop the confidence to speak publicly. It’s not about being fearless; it’s about finding the courage to keep speaking, even when the fear is still there.

Final thoughts

Public speaking is a challenge, but if you’re terrified of public speaking, it’s one you can overcome with the right mindset and consistent practice. But let’s be honest—knowing what to do and actually doing it are two very different things. You’ve probably tried courses, maybe even coaching. You’ve read articles, watched videos, and absorbed all the tips on how to conquer this fear. Yet, if you’re still reading this article, it’s clear something’s missing. I get the frustration—I’ve been there. But having found that missing link, I can tell you that mastering this fear is easier than you might think. Yes, it’s intensive, yes, it’s immersive, and challenging, but it works. And it doesn’t have to be a long, painful journey like the one I went through.

If you’re curious about how this approach can help you conquer the fear of public speaking once and for all, I invite you to explore our methodology at Quwa. You can also hear from others who have successfully faced their fears with this method.

To keep building on what you’ve learned, join our Quwa community. Subscribe today to connect with like-minded individuals, receive support, and access free challenges that will push you to new heights. Together, we can make public speaking something to look forward to.