5 Tips to overcome the fear of public speaking

Craig Smith, Head of Learning and Development at COMET, shares practical tips to help you present with confidence.

Public speaking can be daunting, often causing nerves even among the most experienced professionals. Many of us shy away from it, but itis a critical skill in the workplace. If the thought of speaking in front of anaudience makes you uneasy, you’re not alone—but there are ways to manage and overcome this fear.

Craig Smith, Head of Learning & Development at COMET, has experience as a trainer across various topics. While it might be easy to assume that presenting came naturally to him, this wasn’t always the case. Below, Craig shares five tips that helped him conquer his fear of public speaking and deliver presentations with confidence.

1. Prepare and practice

Preparation is key to building confidence. While it might seem tedious, practicing your presentation multiple times can help to significantly reduce anxiety. The more familiar you are with your content, the more comfortable you will feel delivering it. Rehearse out loud, either alone or infront of others, until you need minimal notes. Understanding your material inside and out will help you stay composed and handle questions with ease, preventing any surprises from shaking your confidence.

2. Understand and engage with your audience

Knowing your audience can make a big difference in how you present. A little research before hand allows you to tailor your presentation to your audience’s interests and expectations, whether you’re speaking in a boardroom or a classroom. Engage directly with your audience by asking questions and making eye contact. This not only helps maintain their attention but also boosts your own confidence. Present yourself as well as the material—confidence in your delivery will inspire trust in your message.

3. Control your breathing and pace

When nerves take over, it’s common to speak too quickly. To combat this, focus on controlling your breathing and slowing down your speech. Pause between key points to give both yourself and your audience time to absorb the information. Practicing breathing techniques, such as inhaling and exhaling slowly for three seconds, can help calm your nerves and improve your overalldelivery.

4. Manage your time effectively

Being aware of your allotted time is crucial. Prepare your content to fit within the time you have, leaving room for questions or any unforeseen delays. For example, if you have a 40-minute slot, aim to complete your presentation in 30 minutes. This gives you flexibility and ensures you won’t have to rush through important points.

5. Relax and be yourself

Remember, your audience isn’t there to catch you out—they’re there to listen and learn. If you miss a point or make a small mistake, don’t dwell on it. Trust in your preparation and knowledge, and don’t be afraid to inject some humour where appropriate. A bit of light-heartedness can ease your nerves and help establish a connection with your audience.
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Public speaking anxiety is common, affecting approximately 75% of people to varying degrees. However, by following these tips, you can boost your confidence and improve your ability to communicate effectively infront of others.

Craig regularly leads webinars and public training sessions at COMET. To stay updated on his events, connect with Craig on LinkedIn, visit our events page, and follow COMET on LinkedIn.
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Did you know COMET offers a variety of management and training courses designed to enhance skills and improve safety performance? From tailored training programmes to leadership development and incident investigation workshops, our services help organisations build stronger teams and safer workplaces. Explore our full range of training services here.