My palms were already sweating when the first lady began speaking in front of a group of men and women in sales. The speaker, an ever-smiling chatterbox who clearly loved the limelight, had asked four of us to speak. This really was beyond my comfort level and I don’t know why I said yes.

The second speaker got up and stood behind the podium, gripping it until her fingers turned white. She couldn’t look at the audience and was completely unable to utter a single word. She began to weep and her eyes locked on woman who had asked her to do this terrible task. After a few excruciating moments, she was kindly escorted from the stage.

The chatterbox introduced me and I took my place at the podium in front of the group of about seventy men and women. My whole body felt like a tuning fork. I was certain everyone could see how much I was shaking.  I opened my mouth and introduced myself. Suddenly, all the fear drained away. I made a joke and they laughed and, after five eternal minutes, they applauded. I took my seat — a changed person. Empowered? Yes! And not in any hurry to repeat the experience.

Public speaking wasn’t my strength in school, it pained me to give a book report. Writing appealed to me because I could say what I wanted without being in front of anyone. I prefer one-on-one meetings, but where an interested group desires to hear what I have to say, it makes more sense to share it one with twenty people, than the same info twenty times.

Speaking has more to do with preparation and planning and knowing your subject very well. The most significant part is psyching yourself UP not psyching yourself OUT.

Before a speaking engagement, I remind myself that if people didn’t want to hear what I had to say, they would be somewhere else. I tell myself a lot of things when I’m called upon to speak. First: I’ve been asked to speak, because that asker believes I have something to share. Second: I’ve convinced myself that excitement and fear feel exactly the same — I’m excited to speak in front of a roomful of people. Third: I love what I do, and talking about it. If I don’t try it at least a few times, I’ll never know who I could have met. Even though I was flattered (and let’s be honest, terrified) the first time I was asked to speak, I learned a lot about how I would do it in the future.

What does this mean for you?

There are benefits to speaking publicly. On top of establishing yourself as an authority in your field, you’ll be viewed as a leader and person of influence. Here are a few other bonuses:

1. You’ll become more empowered in your life. By having “speaking in front of a crowd” checked off your bucket list, you might wonder what other fear you can kick to the curb. You might begin to live more fearlessly. What would that look like? Completing a task that seemed so heart-stopping is exhilarating. Maybe it’s why people jump out of planes.

2. You might find out they like you. You could be a hidden gem, full of timely wisdom that many people could benefit from. You might have an amazing story to tell. You may have insight that the world needs to know. It could lead to more speaking gigs.

3. It might change your trajectory. Some people have gone on to be educators, keynote speakers, comedians, preachers, and actors. Those are just a few occupations where a necessary skill like speaking is valuable. But, should you decide to conquer the fear of public speaking, you could turn it into a stream of income.

4. You never know who you’ll meet, who you’ll touch or who needs your message. Think of it as a networking meeting. Not everyone will love you but most people are gracious and polite. Most people are relieved that it’s you up there and not them. You’re already getting bravery points for stepping on the stage. Someone in the audience needs you, this has been true every single time I’ve spoken anywhere. If you encourage one person, won’t that be worth it?

If you’re new, just being yourself, speaking our own way, and delivering a story of value is really all anybody wants. If you can deliver one solid gold take away, they will have benefitted. If you’re funny or dynamic, they will have their spirits lifted up and their thinking changed.

Now that we live in the podcasting, YouTube-ing, live-feed generation, people don’t expect every lecture, webinar, or presentation to be flawless.  “The people” aren’t as hung up on perfection as we have always thought they were. This is proven by comedian Drew Lynch.

I may never hit the major speaking tours (we all have our cross to bear) but I have a few opportunities up my sleeve this year.

Meanwhile, I’d be curious to know what fear busting strategies you have. What have you overcome? Drop a comment in the box below. I’ll look forward to seeing you next time!