Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking

Overcome your fear of public speaking with expert tips and support from ISM Dubai. Learn how to speak with confidence, clarity, and impact.

Public speaking is more than just a common fear. It is a powerful skill that opens doors.

Whether you are pitching an idea, leading a team, or simply expressing your thoughts, the ability to speak clearly and confidently in front of others can shape your personal and professional success.

Yet, for many, public speaking triggers everything from mild nerves to intense speech anxiety.

The good news? This fear is completely normal — and it can be managed. In fact, overcoming it is one of the most valuable steps you can take for your growth.

If you are afraid of public speaking, read this guide to find out what strategies can help you conquer it.

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What is public speaking?

Public speaking is the practice of delivering speeches to an audience. The aim of public speaking is to:

  • Inform,
  • Persuade, or
  • Entertain.

How to overcome the fear of public speaking

If you feel anxiety about public speaking, you are not the only one. In fact, 77% of people suffer from the same phobia.

Some physical symptoms of the fear of public speaking include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Sweating
  • Nausea and dizziness
  • Feeling of panic at the thought of speaking in front of a group
  • Shaking or trembling of a voice
  • Stammer
  • Weakened tone of voice

You can use proven strategies to tackle your fear. Continue reading to find out some of the helpful strategies that can help with your fear of public speaking.

Start with what you know best

Confidence starts with knowledge.

The more familiar you are with your topic — and the more passionate you are about it — the more naturally you will speak. If you lose your train of thought, your expertise will help you bounce back.

Anticipate a few questions the audience might ask, and prep your answers. Preparation is power.

Get organised early

Structure helps calm nerves. In fact, on average, public speakers spend 17.5 hours preparing their speech. The more time you spend practicing, the more confident you will feel.

So, plan your talk with care, including any slides, props, or visual aids. A simple outline on a notecard can keep you grounded.

If you can, visit the venue beforehand and test any equipment. Familiarity builds comfort.

Practice makes powerful

Rehearse often — and aloud.

Start with friends or family, then try presenting to people you are less familiar with. Record yourself and watch it back.

You will pick up on areas for improvement and grow more confident with each run-through.

Challenge your fears with facts

Fear often distorts reality.

Write down your specific worries. Then ask: how likely are they, really? What happened in past presentations?

You will probably realise that most fears do not materialise — and when small slip-ups do happen, they are not the end of the world.

Visualise success

Before you speak, imagine it going well. Picture yourself feeling calm and your audience engaged. Positive visualisation helps rewire your mindset and reduce anxiety.

Use your breath as a tool

Nerves often hit hardest right before you begin.

Deep, slow breathing helps calm your body and focus your mind. Take a few steady breaths before and during your presentation — it is simple but effective.

ocus on the message, not yourself

Your audience is there to hear what you have to say, not to judge your performance.

Most people will not even notice you feel nervous— and if they do, they will likely root for you. Stay focused on delivering value.

Embrace silence

If your mind goes blank, do not panic.

A brief pause feels longer to you than it does to your audience. Use it to breathe, regroup, and move forward. Silence can even add power to your points.

Celebrate every win

After you speak, take a moment to acknowledge your progress.

It does not need to be perfect — it just needs to happen. Reflect on what went well, and learn from any hiccups. Growth comes from experience.

According to Harvard University, celebrating small wins can help you with:

  • Prioritising
  • Organising, and
  • Goal setting.

It is also proven to boost your self-confidence. So, do not forget to celebrate your victories, no matter how small they might seem.

For more tips, read our guide to effective public speaking.

Start your course today!

We offer a comprehensive curriculum that covers all of the essential topics. Our experienced instructors will provide you with the support and guidance that you need to succeed.

Speak up with confidence with ISM Dubai

Public speaking is a skill, not a talent — and with the right support, anyone can master it.

At ISM Dubai, we have been helping professionals across the region overcome fear, build confidence, and deliver impactful presentations for over 20 years.

Our expert-led training gives you the tools to:

  • Communicate clearly and confidently
  • Speak with presence and impact
  • Handle nerves and real-world challenges

The world needs your voice. Let ISM Dubai help you find it.

Enquire with us to join our next Public Speaking & Presentation Skills training session.

We let our graduates do the talking...

Frequently Asked Questions

Symptoms include:

  • Dry mouth,
  • Sweating,
  • Nausea,
  • Dizziness,
  • Shaking,
  • A trembling or stammering voice,
  • Feelings of panic, and
  • A weakened tone of voice.

If you struggle with the phobia of public speaking, there are strategies that can help you.

Key strategies include:

  • Knowing your topic well,
  • Organising your talk early,
  • Rehearsing aloud,
  • Visualising success,
  • Using deep breathing, and
  • Focusing on your message rather than yourself.

Take slow, deep breaths to calm your body, visualise a successful talk, and remind yourself that the audience is there to listen, not judge.

Yes — simple techniques like breathing exercises, positive visualisation, and grounding your focus on the message can significantly reduce anxiety and boost confidence.

ISM Dubai offers expert-led public speaking courses in Dubai in a supportive environment. They are designed to help you overcome nerves, build confidence, and develop practical public speaking skills.

With over 20 years of experience, ISM provides proven techniques, personalised feedback, and real-world practice to help you speak clearly, confidently, and with impact.

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