How to Speak with Confidence, Even When the Spotlight’s on You
Overcoming the Fear of Speaking English in Public – Introduction
If you’ve read my previous post on strategies to overcome language anxiety, you’re already aware that fear often gets in the way of speaking English confidently. But what if that fear is amplified when you have to speak in front of others?
Speaking English in public can be especially daunting, whether it’s a business meeting, a presentation or even speaking up in a networking event.
In this article, I’ll walk you through practical ways to overcome the fear of speaking English in public. With these strategies, you’ll feel more confident and prepared to share your thoughts, ideas and expertise with your colleagues and clients – without the fear holding you back.
Why Speaking English in Public Feels So Scary
Speaking in public is already intimidating for most people, but the pressure can feel even more intense when you’re doing it in a second language.
Psychologically, we often fear being judged – what if we make a mistake or sound unprofessional? For many English learners, this fear is amplified by the thought that they must speak perfectly. If we slip up, there’s a worry that others will question our competence or even our professionalism.
On top of that, there’s the added stress of the language itself. We might feel that our fluency isn’t good enough, or that our accent makes us sound less authoritative. These mental and emotional blocks can cause our anxiety to skyrocket when speaking in public.
The Hidden Beliefs Behind the Fear
It’s essential to recognise the beliefs fuelling this fear. These are often rooted in unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves:
- “Everyone’s better than me.” This belief can make us feel like we’re constantly underperforming compared to others, even if we’re doing just fine.
- “I have to be perfect to be accepted.” Perfectionism is an enemy of progress. No one expects you to be perfect, and striving for it can actually hold you back.
- “If I make a mistake, they’ll think I’m not qualified.” This is a major fear that often prevents people from speaking up. Still, it’s essential to understand that making mistakes is part of learning – and is entirely natural, even for native speakers.
In truth, most of these fears are overblown. People are more likely to be focused on the message you’re sharing than the exact words or accents you use. And the more you practise, the easier it becomes to manage these fears.
Strategy 1 – Start Small and Build Your Speaking Muscles
One of the most effective ways to overcome the fear of speaking in public is to start small and build up your confidence gradually. Don’t jump straight into a high-pressure situation like a presentation or large meeting. Instead, practise in low-stakes environments first.
Here are a few ways to start:
- Speak up in smaller meetings or during one-on-one conversations.
- Offer to share a brief update or opinion in a team discussion.
- Practise speaking in front of a mirror or record yourself talking about a topic you know well.
As you get more comfortable with these small steps, you’ll feel more prepared when the time comes to speak in front of a larger group.
Strategy 2 – Visualise Success Before You Speak
Before stepping up to speak, take a moment to visualise yourself speaking confidently. Imagine yourself giving a smooth, clear presentation or participating in a meeting with ease. See yourself handling questions and speaking without fear.
Visualisation helps your brain rehearse the situation and reduce the anxiety around it. When you visualise success, you mentally prepare for a positive outcome, boosting your confidence and even making the situation feel less intimidating.
Strategy 3 – Rehearse Out Loud (But Not Word-for-Word)
The more you practise, the better you’ll perform. But don’t rely on reading word-for-word from a script. It can make you sound robotic and increase stress, as you’ll be too focused on remembering every word.
Instead, try this:
- Focus on the key points you want to share.
- Rehearse these points out loud, in your own words, several times.
- Try speaking with different intonations and speeds, so you’re more adaptable to the live situation.
Recording yourself can also help you track progress and pinpoint areas for improvement. The more you hear yourself speaking clearly, the more confident you’ll feel.
Strategy 4 – Learn to Use Silence and Pauses
Many people feel the need to fill every moment of speaking with words. But silence can actually be a powerful tool in public speaking.
Pausing not only gives you time to think but also shows you’re confident and composed. Instead of rushing to speak as quickly as possible, take your time. Don’t be afraid of a pause – it helps you organise your thoughts, gives your audience time to digest what you’ve said and makes you sound more assured.
Strategy 5 – Get Comfortable with Imperfection
Let go of the idea that you have to be perfect to be taken seriously. Making mistakes is a natural part of any learning process. Even native speakers occasionally stutter or lose their place in a speech.
In fact, the more you accept imperfections as a part of speaking, the easier it becomes to deal with them. Focusing on delivering your message rather than worrying about grammar or vocabulary will make you sound more natural and approachable. And your audience will appreciate the effort and clarity of your communication.
Real-World Tip – Turn Speaking into a Habit
Confidence grows through repetition. If you wait for the “perfect moment” to practise speaking, you’ll likely stay stuck in your fear. Instead, create a habit of speaking daily.
You can:
- Record yourself speaking about a specific business topic every day.
- Join a speaking club or participate in virtual meetings.
- Challenge yourself to use English in casual conversations more often.
Making speaking part of your daily routine will gradually shift your mindset, and fear will no longer hold you back.
Closing Thoughts – You’re Braver Than You Think
Speaking English in public is undoubtedly intimidating, but you can manage and even overcome that fear with practice, persistence and the right mindset. Remember, everyone has moments of self-doubt – but it’s the people who push through those moments who find success.
And here’s the key: confidence comes with practice. If you want more structured support in overcoming the fear of speaking and need a safe space to practise in real-world situations, I’d be happy to help you inside the English Learners community. It’s designed for professionals like you who are ready to speak up confidently in English, no matter the situation.
Looking for more tips?
Check out my previous post on Strategies to Overcome Language Anxiety, which dives deeper into emotional blocks and how to manage them.
By incorporating these strategies into your routine, you’ll overcome your fear of public speaking and take your English communication skills to new heights. You’ve got this!
