Speak Anyway: What Teaching Public Speaking Taught Me About Courage
Over the past 20 years, I’ve earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in communications, collected certifications in everything from crisis response to global strategy, and delivered hundreds of presentations—from job interviews to legislative testimony. But the most valuable lessons I’ve learned about public speaking didn’t come from a textbook or a stage. They came from the classroom—teaching it.
Teaching Fear, Seeing Courage
I was only 27 when I began teaching public speaking to college students. One night, I watched a student walk to the classroom door and then run away—too afraid to speak. Another time, a young woman stood at the podium and began to cry, overwhelmed by the fear of being seen and heard.
Those moments broke my heart—but they also opened it.
I taught night classes filled with people from all walks of life. Many were working full-time jobs, raising families, or returning to school after years away. What I saw in that classroom wasn’t just fear—it was bravery. People showed up, even when they were trembling. They found their voices, even if it took time. They told rich, beautiful stories—often with quivering hands, but always with undeniable truth.
I realized that public speaking is not about performance. It’s about connection. And your voice—exactly as it is—has value.
1. Shift Your Mindset: From Nerves to Excitement
I always told my students: You’re not nervous. You’re excited.
Suddenly, your butterflies become energy. You’re not breaking down—you’re gearing up. I’ve personally used this mindset shift many times in my professional career and it’s been a very helpful hack. With that said, for some the fear is too intense. If that’s you, please know that you are definitely not alone and embrace the many valuable resources and support now available. Personally, I dropped Speech 101 three times before I couldn’t push it off any further without delaying graduation. I ended up changing my major to communications after that semester.
2. Speak to Serve, Not to Impress
One of the most powerful perceptual shifts is to stop focusing on yourself and start focusing on your audience.
Ask yourself:
How can my words help someone else?
When you speak from a place of service—not perfection—you release the pressure. You stop worrying about sounding flawless and start concentrating on being meaningful. And that’s what great speakers do: they connect, they care, and they create impact.
3. Structure Matters: Know Where You’re Going
Confidence often comes from clarity. Before you speak, get clear on your structure:
Introduction: Hook your audience with a story, question, or bold statement.
Main Points: Organize your talk into 2–3 key ideas. Use stories or examples to illustrate them.
Conclusion: Summarize what matters most and leave your audience with a takeaway or call to action.
Don’t try to memorize your speech word for word. Know your key points like landmarks on a journey—and trust yourself to navigate the road between them. My slides are typically only graphics, no text or bullets, which has usually been very well received and helps me hold the audience’s attention. Why? I’ve rehearsed it so many times that all I need are those images. Even 20+ years later, I still prepare to that degree!
4. Ground Yourself Before You Speak
Even seasoned speakers get nervous. That’s why it’s important to figure out what works to help you feel grounded and confident. I’ve found these basic grounding techniques to be helpful:
Breathe: Inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four.
Plant your feet: Stand tall with shoulders back and heart lifted.
Affirm: “My voice is clear. My message matters.”
Final Thoughts: Your Voice Is a Gift
Public speaking isn’t reserved for the loudest or most polished person in the room. It’s for anyone with a message, a story, or a truth to share—which means it’s for you.
You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be present. And when you do that—when you show up, butterflies and all—you give others permission to do the same.
So the next time fear shows up, smile at it.
You’re not nervous.
You’re ready.
And we’re ready to listen.
Want a printable Pocket Plan to keep in your notebook, planner, or bag on speaking days? Grab the Public Speaking Pocket Plan from Signal & Sage and feel confident every time you take the mic, rise to the podium, or take the spotlight on Zoom.
Looking for more encouragement? Be sure to follow our “Daily Sage” board on Pinterest.
You might also want to check out these books and audiobooks.
Please note, this post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely believe in and think will support you on your journey to becoming a more confident, courageous communicator.
