Q&A: Insights from a Public Speaking Coach

1. What inspired you to become a public speaking coach?

My journey into public speaking coaching began with my background in acting and performance psychology. Working in the performing arts for many years, I developed a deep appreciation for the power of communication—not just in conveying information but in creating meaningful connections. However, I also saw how many people struggled with this, even in non-performance settings. Public speaking anxiety holds so many talented individuals back, and I realised I could use my skills to help others overcome that barrier.

A significant turning point was when I coached a young professional whose career was stalling because of her fear of presenting. She once said, “I’d rather take a pay cut than stand in front of a room full of people.” Over time, she transformed, learning to speak confidently, and eventually earned a promotion because of her newfound ability to communicate effectively. Moments like these fuel my passion for coaching.

Additionally, as an introvert, I understand how overwhelming public speaking can feel. This personal connection drives me to show others that their voice matters and that public speaking, while intimidating at first, is a skill anyone can master with the right support.

2. What do you enjoy most about coaching others in public speaking?

For me, the most rewarding part of coaching is witnessing transformation. People often come to me saying, “I can’t do this,” and seeing them evolve from a place of fear to one of confidence is incredibly fulfilling. One of my clients, a business executive, started our sessions barely able to get through a meeting without stammering. After weeks of work, they not only delivered a flawless presentation at a major conference but received a standing ovation.

I also love the unique challenges that each client brings. No two people are the same, which means every coaching session is an opportunity to explore new strategies and tailor my approach. Watching clients discover their authentic voice and learn to express themselves in ways that resonate with their audience is deeply satisfying.

Finally, the ripple effect of public speaking confidence is inspiring. It’s not just about the presentation; it’s about how that confidence spills into other areas of their lives, improving relationships, career prospects, and self-esteem. “This isn’t just about speaking,” one client told me. “I feel like I’ve found a part of myself I didn’t know existed.”

3. What are the most common fears people have about public speaking, and how do you help them overcome these fears?

The most common fears revolve around being judged, making mistakes, or forgetting what to say. Many people worry that they’ll look foolish in front of an audience or that their nerves will betray them. For some, the fear is so intense that it manifests physically—shaking hands, a racing heart, or even nausea. One client described the experience as, “like standing on a cliff, knowing you have to jump but every fibre of your being is screaming not to.”

To help, I focus on three key areas: mindset, preparation, and techniques. We start with mindset by addressing the negative self-talk that fuels anxiety. I teach clients how to reframe their fears and approach public speaking as an opportunity rather than a threat. For instance, I encourage them to think of the audience as allies, not critics.

Preparation is another cornerstone. I guide clients through structuring their presentations so they feel in control of their material. Practising aloud, using visualisation techniques, and even simulating high-pressure environments help them build familiarity and confidence.

Lastly, I introduce techniques like breathing exercises, grounding strategies, and storytelling to channel nervous energy into focus. One client, who used to shake uncontrollably before presenting, told me, “These tools didn’t just help me get through it—they made me feel like I belonged up there.”

4. What’s the biggest misconception people have about public speaking?

The biggest misconception is that great speakers are born, not made. Many people believe that if they’re not naturally confident or charismatic, they’ll never succeed as public speakers. This simply isn’t true. Public speaking is a skill like any other—it can be learned, practised, and perfected over time.

One client came to me convinced they were hopeless because they weren’t “dynamic” enough. They compared themselves to big personalities they’d seen at conferences, thinking they needed to mimic that style. Through our sessions, they discovered that their quiet, thoughtful approach was their strength. By focusing on authenticity rather than imitation, they delivered a presentation that was both powerful and memorable.

As the saying goes, “The best speakers aren’t the loudest—they’re the ones who listen, connect, and make people think.” My role as a coach is to help clients find their unique voice and teach them that they don’t need to be someone else to be impactful.

5. What techniques or strategies do you teach to help clients feel more confident when speaking in front of an audience?

Confidence comes from preparation, mindset, and practice. One of the first things I teach is how to structure a speech effectively. A clear structure—a strong opening, a coherent middle, and a memorable conclusion—gives clients a roadmap to follow. This reduces the fear of getting lost or going off track.

Another key strategy is storytelling. Stories are one of the most powerful ways to connect with an audience. I help clients identify personal or professional anecdotes that support their message, making their presentations more engaging and relatable. For example, a client once opened a presentation with a story about a mistake they made early in their career. It immediately set a relatable tone and drew the audience in.

I also work on delivery. This includes vocal techniques (like modulation and pacing), body language (such as open gestures and confident posture), and audience engagement (like maintaining eye contact and pausing for effect). I often say, “You’re not just delivering words—you’re delivering an experience.”

Finally, we tackle anxiety head-on with grounding exercises. Techniques like deep breathing, visualisation, and focusing on one friendly face in the audience can help clients stay calm and present.

6. Can anyone become a good public speaker, or is it something you need natural talent for?

Absolutely, anyone can become a good public speaker. It’s not about being naturally extroverted or charismatic—it’s about being prepared, authentic, and willing to put in the work. Some of the best speakers I’ve worked with were initially terrified of the idea. One client couldn’t get through our first session without trembling, but with time, they grew into someone who could hold an audience’s attention effortlessly.

Public speaking isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection. I often remind clients that audiences don’t want robotic performances—they want authenticity. If you can make people feel something, they’ll remember your message, even if your delivery isn’t flawless.

As the author Mark Twain once said, “There are two types of speakers: those who get nervous and those who are liars.” Nervousness is normal, but with the right guidance, anyone can channel it into something productive.

7. How do you tailor your coaching for different types of clients, such as corporate professionals, students, or performers?

Every client is unique, so my coaching approach is always tailored to their specific needs, goals, and backgrounds. For corporate professionals, the focus is often on clarity, persuasion, and handling high-pressure situations, such as boardroom presentations or client pitches. For example, I once coached a manager who needed to secure buy-in for a major project. We worked on structuring their presentation to address stakeholder concerns and anticipate questions.

For students, the emphasis is on building foundational confidence and preparing them for future opportunities, like interviews or academic presentations. I encourage them to practise early and often, using tools like mock presentations to build their skills incrementally.

Performers, on the other hand, often need help refining delivery. They may already be comfortable on stage but want to enhance their storytelling or emotional range. For instance, I worked with a musician who wanted to connect more effectively with their audience during live performances. We focused on using pauses, eye contact, and vocal variety to create a stronger emotional impact.

8. What’s been one of your most rewarding experiences as a public speaking coach?

It’s hard to pick just one, but one client’s journey stands out. They were a senior executive who, despite their success, avoided public speaking at all costs. Their fear was so intense that they once feigned illness to avoid presenting at a major conference. After months of coaching, they not only delivered that presentation but received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the audience.

Hearing them say, “I never thought I’d feel confident doing this, but now I can’t wait for the next opportunity,” was incredibly rewarding. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love what I do.

9. What advice would you give to someone preparing for their first big speech or presentation?

Start with a clear structure and rehearse until you’re comfortable. Break your presentation into key points and focus on delivering one idea at a time. Remember, you don’t need to impress everyone—you just need to connect with your audience.

I also recommend practising aloud, ideally in front of someone you trust. Ask for feedback on your delivery and make adjustments as needed. And don’t forget to visualise success. Imagine yourself on stage, delivering your speech confidently and receiving positive reactions from the audience.

Lastly, be kind to yourself. Your first speech doesn’t have to be perfect—it’s a learning experience. As I often tell my clients, “The audience is rooting for you, not against you.”

10. How has the role of public speaking changed in the modern world, especially with virtual meetings and online presentations?

The shift to virtual communication has made public speaking more important than ever. In a virtual setting, engagement is harder to maintain, and small missteps—like poor lighting or audio—can distract from your message. I’ve worked with clients to adapt their skills for online platforms, teaching them how to use eye contact (through the camera), manage their energy, and create compelling visuals.

One client told me after a virtual workshop, “I didn’t think I could connect with people through a screen, but now I feel like I’m reaching them even more effectively than before.” This shows how, with the right tools, virtual presentations can be just as impactful as in-person ones.

Let me know if you’d like to refine this further or add additional examples!