Alice Leroy
Public speaking can feel like a nightmare if you’re naturally shy, especially in the cutthroat world of business. Standing up in front of colleagues, clients, or a boardroom full of suits might make your palms sweaty just thinking about it. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to be a natural extrovert to nail it. With a few tricks up your sleeve, even the quietest person can command a room. Here’s how.
Start Small and Build Up
If the idea of addressing a packed conference sends shivers down your spine, don’t start there. Begin with something less daunting—like speaking up in a team meeting or chatting to a small group of colleagues. Get comfy with your voice in low-stakes settings before you tackle the big stuff. Each little win will boost your confidence.
Prepare Like Your Life Depends on It
Shyness often comes with overthinking, so turn that into your superpower. Prep your talk until you know it backwards. Write a script if it helps, then whittle it down to key points you can glance at. The more familiar you are with your material, the less likely you’ll freeze when all eyes are on you. Rehearse in front of a mirror or a mate—it’s less scary than jumping straight into the deep end.
Focus on the Message, Not the Spotlight
Here’s a mindset shift: it’s not about you, it’s about what you’re saying. If you’re shy, the thought of being judged can paralyse you. Instead, think of yourself as a messenger delivering something valuable—whether it’s a sales pitch or a project update. When you care about the content, it’s easier to push past the nerves.
Use Your Body to Fake Confidence
Even if you feel like a shrinking violet inside, you can trick yourself (and others) into thinking otherwise. Stand tall, shoulders back, and keep your chin up. Avoid fidgeting—plant your feet and use deliberate gestures if you can. Slow, deep breaths before you start will steady your voice, too. It’s amazing how acting confident can make you feel it.
Lean on Notes or Slides
There’s no shame in having a crutch. A few bullet points on a card or a well-designed PowerPoint can keep you on track if your mind goes blank. Just don’t read word-for-word—glance, then speak. It’s a safety net that lets you focus on connecting rather than remembering.
Practise Pausing
Shy speakers often rush to get it over with, but that can make you sound flustered. Train yourself to pause. A beat of silence after a key point gives you a breather and lets your words sink in. It also makes you seem more in control, even if your heart’s racing.
Know Your Audience
Business crowds can be tough—some might look bored or whip out their phones mid-talk. Don’t take it personally. Beforehand, suss out who’s in the room and tailor your talk to them. Are they number-crunching execs or creative types? Speaking their language keeps them engaged and takes the pressure off you to “perform”.
Accept the Nerves
Here’s the truth: even seasoned speakers get jittery. Instead of fighting the butterflies, let them be. Tell yourself it’s just energy, not fear. Channel it into your voice or a purposeful stride across the room. The more you accept it, the less it’ll trip you up.
Get Feedback (Gently)
After your first go, ask someone you trust—like a supportive colleague—for a quick pointer or two. Keep it simple: “Did I mumble? Was I clear?” Constructive nudges can help you improve without feeling overwhelmed. Over time, you’ll spot your own strengths. If you’re struggling, Public Speaking Courses could help you!
Celebrate the Wins
Shy or not, every time you speak up, you’re pushing your comfort zone. Did you get through a presentation without fainting? Brilliant. Did someone nod along? Even better. Pat yourself on the back—small victories pave the way to bigger ones.
Public speaking in business doesn’t have to be torture, even if you’d rather hide under the desk than take the stage. It’s a skill, not a talent, and shy people often bring a quiet authenticity that others can’t fake. Start where you are, practise relentlessly, and soon enough, you’ll be the one owning the room—nerves and all.
