Steady Or Not

As far as common fears go, I do not like the dark. I’ve experienced more claustrophobia as an adult. And I’m terrified of bees.

As far as common fears go, though, I love what so many hate. Glossophobia is an intense fear of public speaking. Dry mouth. Rapid heartbeat. Shortness of breath.

I sometimes get that on the NW train line from Queensboro Plaza to 59th and Lex (niche NYC reference) but never in front of a crowd.

I love public speaking and spend a lot of time analyzing public speakers, whether a professional at a big conference or a maid of honor speech at a wedding. I love watching someone settle in. Love when their jokes land. Love that sometimes you can even see that moment where someone pushes past discomfort into the zone.

Recently, I was watching someone speak. My analysis was overwhelmingly positive. Steady voice. Strong message. Clear and relatable. Then they self-reported: “Public speaking makes me nervous.”

I would have never known.

After the fact, we were chatting and I shared my positive feedback. “You couldn’t see my leg shaking?”

First of all, no, I couldn’t. But secondly, your leg can shake all you want. Your physical responses may have betrayed you—trembling hands, cold sweat, nausea—but your voice remained steady.

You spoke strong. You led with confidence. You showed trust in what you know and more importantly, trust in yourself. You lived into your values. And you did something hard.

Don’t be so quick to sell yourself short. We’re ready for every part of you.