If you’ve ever wondered what to do if you hate public speaking, this article is for you.
If you dread public speaking but still want to deliver a strong, engaging speech, the ideas below will help you prepare with confidence. Here are ten practical habits worth keeping in mind.
What To Do If You Hate Public Speaking:
1. Start with Impact
Skip the predictable “Hello, my name is…” introduction. It makes the audience switch off before you’ve even begun. Grab their attention immediately with a fact, statistic, or bold statement.
Example: “One in four people will face poverty by age 65. Here’s how you can avoid becoming part of that statistic.” A dynamic opening signals that the audience should pay attention.
2. Show Why You’re Worth Listening To
Before you speak, think about your credibility. Why should anyone give you their time? Briefly highlight your experience, background, or achievements related to your topic—without bragging.
Whether you’ve written books, worked with experts, built something from scratch, or gained years of hands-on experience, let your audience know. When people understand your perspective, they trust your message more.
3. Use Stories That Reinforce Your Message
Stories stick. They’re emotional, relatable, and easy to remember. Include short anecdotes that connect directly to your topic. This could be a personal moment, something you read, or an experience that shaped you.
For example: “Five years ago, I was fired. That moment pushed me to build my online business, and it changed my life.” Choose stories that guide the audience toward the point you’re trying to make.
4. Build Connection from the Start
Create rapport by linking your speech to something meaningful that everyone shares—an anniversary, a cultural moment, or a date of significance. Example: Reflecting on 9/11 not only honors the day but also reminds the audience that you and they stand on common emotional ground. Shared context softens the room and makes listeners more receptive.
5. Use Humor Wisely
Humor can be powerful, but it’s also tricky. Safe humor is usually self-deprecating—make yourself part of the joke. Avoid jokes that target groups of people or traits you don’t share.
The classic example: If you have a full head of hair, don’t make bald jokes. If your joke falls flat, simply smile and say, “It was funnier when I heard it,” and keep going. Humor works best when it’s rooted in truth and delivered lightly, not forced.
6. Let Humor Support Your Message
Treat humor as a tool, not the goal. Use it to highlight irony, reveal a truth, or emphasize a point. Lines like “Warren Buffet is the poorest man alive—only worth 600 billion” exaggerate reality in an amusing way that helps underline your point. When humor reinforces your message instead of distracting from it, it becomes one of your strongest speaking assets.
7. Use Meaningful Quotes
Quoting others can reveal your own values, influences, and worldview. The lines you choose show what inspires you and what ideas guide your thinking. Good speakers credit the source whenever possible—it shows preparation and strengthens your credibility.
Examples include:
“Francis of Assisi once said, ‘Preach always; if necessary, use words.’”
“Abraham Lincoln once said, ‘A house divided against itself cannot stand.’”
St. Paul’s reminder: “Even if I have faith to move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing.”
Or the well-known question of Jesus: “What does it profit a person to gain the whole world yet lose their soul?”
Thoughtful quotes give your message depth and help the audience understand your perspective.
8. Invite Participation
Audience involvement keeps people alert and creates a sense of shared experience. Ask for a show of hands, a verbal response, or brief interaction:
“Raise your hand if you’ve read this report.”
“How many of you have seen the Pyramids of Giza?”
“If that makes sense so far, say ‘Yes.’”
Some speakers, especially in energetic environments like church services, reinforce key moments with lines such as “Can I hear an Amen?” Participation helps the audience feel invested in what you’re saying.
9. Put the Audience at Ease
When you’re speaking on a sensitive or controversial topic, tension can rise quickly. Disarm that tension by acknowledging it: “This topic can be challenging, and I know you may have many questions. I’ll do my best to address them with the time we have.” Simple reassurance lowers the emotional temperature and makes people more willing to listen.
10. Follow Basic Speaking Protocols
Small habits have a big impact on how your message is received.
- Keep the microphone below your mouth so listeners can see your lips move. Stand tall—posture communicates confidence before you even speak.
- Articulate clearly and avoid trailing off at the ends of sentences. Volume matters; if people can’t hear you, they’ll tune out.
- Maintain eye contact. Even if you’re reading from notes, look up regularly to re-connect with the room.
- Use pauses deliberately. Average speakers rush. Skilled speakers slow down, giving the audience a moment to absorb each idea. Like feeding a child, too much at once overwhelms them. A brief pause after important points lets your message sink in.
11. End with Strength
A powerful closing is just as important as a strong opening. Avoid endings like “I guess that’s it” or “I’m not sure what else to say.” Your final sentences are often what the audience remembers most. Aim for clarity and a sense of completion—not necessarily a dramatic “bang,” but a meaningful finish.
Example:
“In closing, we’ve seen how incentives dramatically improve our company’s productivity. Without them, we wouldn’t have experienced the growth of the past five years. As the saying goes, ‘Don’t fix what isn’t broken.’ For the good of our team, let’s continue supporting incentives in this year’s budget. Thank you for listening.”
Summary:
If you hate public speaking but still want to deliver a strong speech, focus on a few practical habits:
Start with an attention-grabbing opening instead of a routine introduction.
Establish your credibility early by briefly explaining why your perspective matters.
Use short, meaningful stories to keep the audience engaged and help your points stick.
Create rapport by connecting your message to something the audience shares or understands.
Use humor carefully—prefer self-deprecating jokes and avoid targeting others.
Incorporate thoughtful quotes that reveal your values and reinforce your message.
Invite the audience to participate with simple questions or prompts.
If the topic is sensitive, acknowledge any tension to help listeners feel more comfortable.
Follow solid speaking basics: clear voice, confident posture, visible facial expressions, eye contact, and deliberate pauses.
Finish with a clear, confident closing that leaves a strong final impression.
