Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety

A note to young leaders.

Public speaking is a super power. Its impact is so great that no leader can afford to ignore it.

The best advice I received on public speaking was from the late, great John Caldon, former Deputy MD of Macquarie Group.

“If you’re feeling nervous before a speech, Adam, it’s because you’re focusing too much on yourself. How will I come across? Will I remember all my key points? And so on.”

“So the trick is to get out of yourself. It’s not about you. It’s about your audience. You are there to help them, to give them valuable insights. Say to yourself: if I can make a real difference to one or two people in my audience today, I’ll be very happy.”

“If you focus only on them and not on you, you will instantly feel less nervous.”

Anxiety arises when you feel isolated and self-absorbed. Focus on why you are speaking and how your words can help your audience and the anxiety will disappear all by itself.

Give it a try.