Public Speaking — The oldest fear and the simplest fix

Fear of public speaking affects about 75% of people. It is one of the most common fears in the world. The fix is not talent. It is preparation and repetition. Every effective speaker was once bad at it. They practised. The skill is ordinary. The willingness to practise is what is rare.

• Structure helps: tell them what you will say, say it, tell them what you said. This three-part format works for any topic.
• Practise in front of a mirror, then a friend, then a small group. Each step makes the next one easier.