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If the thought of speaking in front of a class makes your heart race and palms sweaty (knees weak, arms are heavy), you’re not alone. Public speaking is a common fear among uni students and beyond. Whether you’re anxious about presenting in front of classmates, participating in a debate or speaking at a Student Guild event, the idea of standing in front of a crowd can be overwhelming.
However, overcoming this fear is an important skill that will benefit you throughout university and into your career. The good news is that public speaking is a skill that can be learned and improved with practice.
Here are some steps to help you become more confident when speaking in front of others.
Prepare … well.
Preparation is the foundation of confidence. When you know your topic well, you will feel more comfortable discussing it in front of others. Start by organising your presentation clearly with a structured introduction, main points and conclusion. Write down key points rather than a full script to keep your speech natural.
Focus on your message, not yourself
Many students fear public speaking because they worry about how they’re going to be perceived. Instead of focusing on yourself, shift your focus to your message. Think about the value you are providing to your audience. Are you sharing important insights? Are you helping them understand something new? When you focus on delivering useful information, your anxiety will lessen because your attention is on your message rather than your nerves.
Start small
If speaking in front of a large audience feels intimidating, start with smaller groups. Participate in class discussions, join a student club or practice speaking in a supportive setting like a study group. Gradually increasing your exposure to public speaking in less stressful situations will help you build confidence over time.
Control your breathing and posture
Nervousness can cause shallow breathing and a tense posture, making you feel even more anxious. Before you start speaking, take slow, deep breaths to calm your nerves. Stand or sit up straight, relax your shoulders and maintain a steady stance. Good posture not only helps you feel more confident but also makes you appear more credible to your audience.
Use visual aids (if you can!)
Slides, charts or notes can help you stay on track during your presentation. Visual aids give you something to refer to, making it easier to remember your points and reducing the fear of forgetting what to say. However, avoid relying too much on your slides—use them as a guide rather than reading from them directly.
Accept that nervousness is normal
Even experienced speakers feel nervous before a presentation. Accept that some level of nervousness is normal and can even be beneficial. It means you care about your performance. Instead of trying to eliminate nerves, focus on managing them so they don’t interfere with your delivery.
Get feedback and keep improving
After every presentation, ask for constructive feedback. Understanding what went well and what can be improved will help you develop your skills. The more you practice and refine your approach, the more confident you will become.
Practice, practice, practice
The best way to overcome fear is to face it repeatedly. The more you expose yourself to public speaking, the easier it becomes. Take every opportunity to speak in front of others, whether it is in class, at student meetings or during social gatherings. Volunteer to present in group projects, join public speaking workshops (like this Skills for Success workshop) or participate in university events where you can practice speaking. The more you do it, the less intimidating it will feel, and your confidence will naturally grow over time.
Overcoming the fear of public speaking takes time and effort, but with consistent practice and the right mindset, you can build confidence and communicate effectively. The more you challenge yourself, the easier it becomes, and soon, speaking in front of others will feel like a valuable opportunity rather than a daunting task.
