Communication Corner: A Column Dedicated to Improving Communication Skills

Why Do We Fear Public Speaking?

By Richard Sgaglio
July 2026

If you’ve ever felt your heart race, your palms sweat, your mouth go dry, or your mind suddenly go blank before speaking in front of a group, you’re not alone. Public speaking is one of the most common fears people experience. It doesn’t matter whether you’re speaking to five people at a committee meeting or fifty people in a crowded room. For many of us, the thought of standing up and having all eyes focused on us can be intimidating.

What makes public speaking particularly frustrating is that most of us communicate every day. We talk with friends, family members, coworkers, and neighbors without giving it a second thought. Yet place those same people in front of a room and ask them to speak for five minutes, and suddenly everything changes.

Why?

The fear of public speaking often comes down to one simple concern: we don’t want to make a mistake in front of other people. We worry about forgetting what we planned to say, losing our train of thought, mispronouncing a word, or looking foolish. We imagine everyone in the audience noticing every misstep.

The reality is that audiences are usually far more forgiving than we think. Most people are not sitting in their chairs, hoping we fail. In fact, they are often rooting for us because an uncomfortable speaker makes for an uncomfortable audience.

Still, our minds can play tricks on us. Before a presentation, we may imagine every possible thing that could go wrong. Our bodies respond as if those fears are actually happening. Suddenly, your mouth feels dry, your voice shakes, your heart pounds, and the point you intended to make disappears.

Part of the challenge is that public speaking feels like a performance. But in reality, it is simply a conversation that has grown larger. Whether you’re speaking to five people or fifty, the goal remains the same: share information, tell a story, or connect with others.

The good news is that public speaking is not a talent reserved for a lucky few. It is a skill, and skills can be learned.

One of the biggest misconceptions about successful speakers is that they are fearless. Most are not. Even experienced speakers feel nervous before stepping in front of an audience. The difference is that they have learned how to manage those feelings instead of letting those feelings manage them.

Preparation is one of the best confidence builders. The more familiar you are with your material, the less likely you are to panic. Think about how easily you can talk about your family, a favorite hobby, your work, or even your pet. You speak comfortably because you know the subject. The same principle applies to public speaking. Know your material and confidence follows.

Practice matters, too. Few people become comfortable speaking in public by avoiding it. The best way to improve is to do it. Volunteer to give a report at a community meeting. Offer a toast at a family gathering. Speak up during a meeting at work. Every opportunity helps build confidence and experience.

Another helpful technique is to stop striving for perfection. I often tell my communication students that audiences rarely remember small mistakes. What they remember is whether the speaker was interesting, sincere, and prepared.

It is also important to remember that public speaking isn’t limited to politicians, television personalities, or TED Talk presenters. At some point, most of us will be asked to speak in front of others. It may be a presentation at work, a wedding toast, or, unfortunately, a eulogy for someone you love.

Those are not situations where you want your first public speaking experience. The best time to develop speaking skills is before you need them. Start small. Practice often. Accept that nervousness is normal.

At some point in your life, you will be called upon to speak, share an idea, tell your story, defend a position, or inspire others. Learning to communicate confidently in front of people is one of the most valuable skills you can develop.

The next time an opportunity presents itself, consider saying yes. Step forward. Raise your hand. Take the chance. You may discover that the fear was far greater than the reality, and that your voice is more powerful than you ever imagined.