How To Reduce PSA
From Fear To Confidence
Public Speaking Apprehension (PSA) is the nervousness, fear, or discomfort you may experience when speaking in front of other people.
The good news? Public speaking is a skill, not a personality trait.
What Does Public Speaking Apprehension Feel Like?
You may experience some of these reactions when speaking in front of others.
A racing heartbeat
Shaky hands or voice
Forgetting what you wanted to say
Feeling that everyone is judging you
Difficulty making eye contact
Speaking too quickly
Wanting to avoid speaking altogether
Change Your Thought
Your thoughts can increase your fear—or help you handle the situation.
“Everyone will notice my mistakes.”
Try thinking
“People are here to hear my message, not to search for my mistakes.”
“What if I forget something?”
Try thinking
“If I forget something, I can pause, think and continue.”
“I have to be perfect.”
Try thinking
“I only need to communicate clearly.”
Confidence doesn't mean having zero fear. Confidence means knowing you can handle the situation.
Stop Imagining The Audience As Your Judges
When you're nervous, you may feel that every person is watching every movement.
In reality, most listeners are primarily focused on understanding your message.
“What are they thinking about me?”
Ask
“What can I give them?”
Your focus changes from self-consciousness → communication.
Start Small
Don't begin with a 30-minute speech to a large audience. Build your speaking exposure gradually.
Speak alone in front of a mirror.
Record yourself on your phone.
Speak to someone you trust.
Speak in a small group.
Give a short presentation.
Speak to a larger audience.
Practise responding to audience questions.
Record Yourself
Use your phone as your first speaking practice partner.
60-Second Speaking Challenge
Choose a simple topic and speak for one minute.Don't restart when you make a mistake. Watch the recording once afterwards.
Master The Power Of Pause
Nervous speakers often speak too quickly. Don't fight the silence. Use it.
“Good morning, everyone.”
“Today, I'm going to talk about something
we all experience…”
A pause can help you breathe, think, emphasise an idea, slow your pace and sound more confident.
A pause is not a mistake. A pause is a speaking tool.Control Your Breathing
Before speaking, give your body a moment to settle.
Don't Memorise The Entire Speech
Remember the structure and your ideas—not every word.
Why reading matters.
Reading improves knowledge.
Reading improves vocabulary.
Reading develops thinking.
Why we should make reading a habit.
Make Natural Eye Contact
Don't stare at one person and don't continuously look at the floor. Use a natural pattern.
Hold your gaze naturally for a few seconds before moving to another person.
If direct eye contact feels uncomfortable, look around the person's eye or forehead area while you build confidence.
What If You Forget Your Words?
Don't panic. Use a recovery phrase, pause and continue.
“Let me put that another way.”
“What I mean is…”
“Let me come back to my main point.”
“There are three things I'd like to mention.”
“Let me think for a moment.”
Pause. Recover. Continue.
Stop Trying To Sound Perfect
You don't need sophisticated vocabulary to be an effective speaker.
Complicated
“The implementation of this particular methodology facilitates the enhancement of communication proficiency.”
Clear
“This method helps us communicate better.”
The 7-Day PSA Practice
Build confidence through small, repeated speaking challenges.
Mirror Talk
Speak for 1 minute about yourself.
Record Yourself
Record a 1-minute explanation of your favourite topic.
Speak Without Preparation
Choose a random topic and start speaking immediately.
Tell A Story
Tell a short story from your life.
Explain Something
Teach someone a simple concept for 2 minutes.
Mini Presentation
Give a 3-minute presentation using only keywords.
Speak To An Audience
Give your presentation to a friend, family member, class or group.
The 30-Second Emergency Reset
Feeling nervous just before speaking? Try this simple sequence.
The Speaker's Golden Formula
A simple cycle you can repeat every time you practise.
From Fear To Confidence
You don't become a confident public speaker by waiting until you feel confident.
You build confidence by repeatedly doing what currently makes you nervous.
Your first speech may be uncomfortable.
Your second may be slightly easier.
Your tenth may feel completely different.
So don't aim for:
❌ “I will never feel nervous.”
Aim for:
✅ “I can speak even when I feel nervous.”
Confidence comes from doing the speech.
