Transforming Fear into Power

I remember my journey confronting the demons of public speaking long before I ever became a confident speaker.

Anxiety, nervousness, and stress—those universal feelings that surge whenever we step into the spotlight—flooded me each time I was asked to present, whether in a classroom, at work, or in any public space.

The stage felt vast and intimidating, my voice seemed small, and each presentation loomed like a trial rather than an opportunity.

In those early moments, I thought my fear was the enemy, a battle I had to conquer to become a “good” speaker. But time and reflection showed me that I was missing the heart of public speaking—the foundation that would eventually transform my entire approach.

I realized that at its core, public speaking isn’t about me at all. It’s not about performing or meeting some external standard. Public speaking, at its most profound level, is about connection and contribution.

This revelation was pivotal. When I stopped obsessing over my “performance” and instead focused on genuinely being there for others, my anxiety began to evolve. I was no longer thinking about how I appeared or sounded, I was thinking about how I could serve my audience.

This shift was powerful. It was no longer a battle against fear but an alignment with purpose. I could feel a new energy emerging in my speaking journey, as fear gradually transformed into fuel.?

That’s when I understood the importance of changing my mindset to change my experience.

By looking deeply at certain mindset shifts, I discovered subtle yet profound changes that would reshape not only my speaking but my entire approach to life. These adjustments transformed anxiety into excitement, nervousness into a hunger for growth, and stress into a journey of self-discovery.??????????

Below, I share two of the most powerful insights that not only elevated my own journey but have helped those I coach. When applied, these shifts bring greater resourcefulness, purpose, and ease—not just in public speaking, but in every area of life.

“Having Resources” vs. “Being Resourceful”

As speakers, it’s easy to become fixated on what we “don’t have”—we may feel we lack the natural charisma of great orators, the extensive experience of seasoned professionals, or the endless resources we believe we need to excel. This mindset can trap us in a cycle of scarcity, reinforcing the feeling that we’re missing something essential, that we’re not yet enough.

But there’s a liberating shift here: Being resourceful means using what we already have—our stories, unique experiences, our quirks—and letting them become the very tools that draw in our audience. Resourcefulness is about harnessing our own voices with authenticity, creativity, and openness, freeing ourselves from the chase for perfection and letting us be ourselves.

Reflection for your next speech:

What personal stories or unique perspectives can you share that highlight your message? How can you tap into your resourcefulness to make your presentation truly your own?

“Prioritizing Our Schedule” vs. “Scheduling Our Priorities”?

Stephen Covey once said, “The key is not to prioritize your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” This insight carries a profound truth in public speaking. Before stepping onto the stage, we often over-plan every word, slide, and detail, wanting to deliver everything perfectly. But in doing so, we risk becoming overwhelmed with information and losing sight of what really matters.

To schedule our priorities means focusing on the heart of our presentation—the key takeaways we want our audience to remember. When we build our talk around these essential priorities, we eliminate unnecessary details and gain clarity, which allows us to speak with purpose and confidence. This shift is freeing as instead of being burdened by excessive content, we can focus on delivering what’s truly impactful, creating a powerful experience for our audience.

Reflection for your next presentation:

What are the core messages or priorities that will resonate most with your audience? How can you structure your talk to ensure these stand out?

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By adopting these insights, public speaking transforms from a nerve-wracking performance into a fulfilling opportunity to share ideas. Each time we stand in front of an audience, we have the chance to refine these subtle distinctions, and with them, we see our confidence, clarity, and connection to others grow.

As we embrace resourcefulness and prioritize meaningfully, public speaking becomes less about flawless performance and more about genuine connection. And that is what public speaking is truly about. It’s a bridge—a moment where we’re able to bring ourselves closer to others, even in the face of fear.

And here’s perhaps the most powerful insight I’ve gained through it all:

The journey isn’t about eliminating fear; it’s about transforming it. Fear doesn’t have to be an obstacle—it can become the very force that drives us forward, pushing us beyond our comfort zones and into new territories of growth and meaning.

So, the next time you feel that familiar surge of anxiety before you speak, remember:

That energy, that intensity, is your power. Embrace it, channel it, and just let it guide you.