Red Mike Message 3-19-25: The Fear of Public Speaking—How to Get Better at It

Good morning, and welcome back to the Red Mike! Thanks for being here.

According to a survey by the National Institute of Mental Health, 75% of people would rather die than speak in public. It doesn’t matter if it’s an audience of one or 100—public speaking is one of the most common fears. And if you're in a leadership role, you're going to have to do it at some point—whether it's leading a small team or speaking at a major conference. That’s a lot of pressure.

For many people, public speaking feels daunting. But for me? I see it as a chance to show off. I’ve never been afraid of it—not even as a little kid. But I recognize that for most people, it’s terrifying. They don’t want to be embarrassed, say the wrong thing, or bore their audience. Nobody wants to be that dull executive who reads every word off a slide. Nobody wants to sound like Ben Stein in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off:

"Bueller… Bueller… Anyone?"

Funny thing—Ben Stein did that scene from memory, no script. But you don’t want to be that guy. You want to command the room. You want to own the room, as Joey Tribbiani would say.

What Sinks a Public Speaker?

Great public speaking isn’t just about the words—it’s about delivery. If your delivery is bad, people won’t remember what you said—just how badly you said it.

Here’s what to avoid:

Letting nerves take over. Don’t fidget, flip your notes around, or stare at the floor.

Ignoring your audience. If you’re just reading off a PowerPoint, people will check out.

Winging it. The best speakers rehearse. Don’t think you can just get up there and figure it out.

Relying on slides. Don’t make your slides a crutch—use stories, memories, and anecdotes instead.

Lack of connection. If you don’t engage—through eye contact, body language, and energy—your audience won’t care.

How to Get Better at Public Speaking

Hook your audience. Start with something engaging—a story, a question, or a bold statement.

Make an impact. People won’t remember a speech full of empty words. They will remember a message that moves them.

Control your nerves. Confidence is contagious. If you seem nervous, the audience will feel it.

Get feedback. Interact with the audience—public speaking is a two-way street.

Prepare like your credibility depends on it—because it does.

Speak with authenticity. Build connections, don’t just read slides.

End with impact. Give people a reason to talk about your message after they leave.

Words fade. Emotions last. Whether it’s laughter, inspiration, or urgency, make people feel something.

Before you walk on stage, remember this: A leader’s communication determines whether they’re followed or forgotten. Titles don’t make leaders—influence does. And how you speak? That’s where influence begins.

That’s today’s Red Mike Message. Hope you found it helpful. More importantly, I hope you use it. Thanks for being here.

Happy Wednesday—we’re halfway through the week! Two more days to go.

I love you guys. I’ll see you tomorrow.

And don’t forget—life is short, drink the bourbon.

Red Mike Messages are leadership and life lessons I’ve picked up over 25 years as a public servant, 16 years as a youth football coach, and 10 years as a mediocre athlete with far more heart than actual physical ability.