Whether you’re part of the sweaty palms club or the shaky-voice society, you’re not alone in feeling nervous about public speaking. The spotlight, the silent anticipation of an audience, and the pressure to deliver the perfect words can rattle even the most composed people.



Glossophobia, or the fear of public speaking, is one of the most common social fears. Some experts estimate that as much as 77% of the population experiences some level of anxiety when it comes to public speaking. The good news is that this fear can be overcome. One perhaps unexpected yet effective way to build confidence is through debate. By engaging in structured debates, you can turn the fear of public speaking into a strength, learning to stay calm, think clearly, and articulate your thoughts under pressure.



But here’s the truth: often times, public speaking confidence isn’t something you’re born with, it’s something you build. With the right approach and practice, you can learn to speak clearly, persuasively, and with calm self-assurance.



Actionable Strategies To Build Confidence in Public Speaking



1. Understand the Root of Your Fear

Your heart is pounding. Your mouth goes dry. A bead of sweat trickles down your temple.

This is your body’s natural response to perceived threat. In public speaking, that “threat” is often the fear of making mistakes or being judged.



First, acknowledge this fear. It’s normal, and it doesn’t mean you’re incapable. When you name it, you take away some of its power.



A helpful technique is to write down exactly what you’re afraid of (forgetting your lines, stumbling over words, losing the audience’s attention). Each time you practice and overcome one of these fears—even in small ways—mark it off.



Over time, you’ll see concrete proof of your progress as you realizing that you're competent and that people are accepting and loving. You got this!



2. Accept Imperfection

Even the most celebrated speakers have moments where their words don’t come out perfectly. Barack Obama, known for his eloquence, has shared stories of stumbling mid-speech. Instead of panicking, he paused, took a breath, and continued—often with a smile and chuckle.



If you forget a point, lose your place, or need a moment to collect your thoughts, it doesn’t define you. It just shows you’re human. The audience is usually more forgiving than you expect.



A single imperfect moment will never outweigh your preparation, sincerity, and the value of your message. After all, we are human.



3. Practice in Realistic Conditions

Preparation is more than reading your notes and memorizing. You need to be rehearsing in environments that mimic the real thing.



1. Practice standing up, projecting your voice, and using gestures.
2. Record yourself and watch the playback to spot pacing issues or awkward habits.
3. Practice in front of friends or family to simulate an audience.
4. Use online debate platforms like VersyTalks to train your brain to think on your feet and speak clearly under gentle pressure.



The more often you speak in front of others, the less novelty the situation holds—and the less fear it provokes.



4. Master Your Breathing and Body Language

Confident speakers look calm because they manage their bodies intentionally:



1. Posture: Stand tall, feet hip-width apart, shoulders relaxed.
2. Breathing: Take slow, deep breaths from your diaphragm. This calms your nerves and steadies your voice.
3. Eye Contact: Connect with your listeners—one face at a time—rather than staring into space.
4. Gestures: Use your hands naturally to reinforce your words.



Simple breathing exercises before you go on stage can ground you and reduce shaky voice. When you feel tension rising, pause, inhale slowly, and reset.



5. Embrace the Power of Storytelling

Facts inform, but stories inspire.



When you share personal stories, even imperfect ones, you build trust with your audience. Oprah Winfrey is one of the greatest public speaker not because her delivery is always flawless, but because her stories are authentic and relatable. She’s shared deeply personal moments on air, sometimes stumbling, sometimes emotional — and audiences trust her more because of it. So if your story rambles, you lose your place, or your punchline flops, it’s not the end of the world. You’re still alive — and more real than ever.



Don’t be afraid to show emotion, vulnerability, or humor. If you lose your place or forget a detail, simply acknowledge it and move on. Audiences connect with speakers who are genuine, not polished to perfection.



Nothing beats telling a good story.



When it comes to storytelling, it’s easy to feel pressure to be captivating, polished, and flawless — but the truth is, even the best storytellers mess up sometimes, and that’s okay.



According to Dr. Brené Brown, a researcher known for her work on vulnerability and human connection, people relate more when we’re authentic, not perfect.



We have a great article on storytelling if you're interested in learning more about that particular communication tool.



6. Read Widely and Often



One of the most powerful yet underrated ways to boost your conversational confidence is through consistent reading. Reading doesn’t just expand your vocabulary — it strengthens the neural connections in your brain associated with language processing, memory, and empathy.



A study published in Brain Connectivity found that reading narrative stories enhances connectivity in the left temporal cortex, a region crucial for language and comprehension.



The more you read, the more natural it becomes to access the right words, structure your thoughts, and speak fluently. It's kind of like having a complex code of symbols in your brain for all situations, from which you can access almost instantly to then translate into spoken words. We promise, it's like your brain integrates its own dictionary. You will never be as quick witted and sharp as when you actively read and speak about your read.



Just look at Malala Yousafzai — her eloquence and depth come in part from her love of reading, which she credits with shaping her understanding of the world. Reading is like weightlifting for your brain — every book is another rep that strengthens your voice.



Here are four great books we recommend to get your general knowledge tingling and start a more complete journey towards confidence in conversations.



1. Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari

A compelling and easy-to-read overview of human history, evolution, and how we got to where we are. Great for sparking ideas and references in conversation.



2. A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson

A witty, accessible crash course on science, space, geology, and life — written like a conversation with your smartest, funniest friend.



3. Thank You for Arguing by Jay Heinrichs

A modern classic on the art of persuasion, rhetoric, and how to speak so people listen — used in classrooms and boardrooms alike.



4. Talk Like TED by Carmine Gallo can be particularly helpful for learning techniques that make your delivery memorable.



7. Use Positive Self-Talk

Before stepping onto the stage, remind yourself of your preparation and your strengths.



Instead of thinking “I’m going to mess this up,” reframe it to “I have valuable ideas to share.”



Confidence is as much about mindset as skill. Even a simple affirmation can help you walk up with more calm.



8. Start Small and Build Up

Confidence grows incrementally.



Start by speaking to a small group of friends or colleagues. Volunteer to introduce someone or give a short toast. Little by little, you’ll feel more at ease in front of larger groups.



If you’re looking for an accessible way to build public speaking skills daily, join short debates or discussions online. Even 10 minutes a day on platforms like VersyTalks can train you to think quickly and speak convincingly. A third of their user base has admitted to using that platform has a way to feel more prepared and confident when speaking publicly or within a group.



Debating provides a supportive and structured environment to practice public speaking skills. Unlike giving a formal speech, a debate feels more like a focused conversation. You’re concentrating on ideas and arguments, which can make you less self-conscious about the act of speaking itself. Many people find that when they get immersed in debating a topic, they forget to be afraid. For example, one debater noted that their “fear of public speaking melted away in the online setting” when they were focused on crafting arguments without a live audience staring at them.



Remember:

Every great speaker started where you are—uncertain and a little scared.

Every time you stand up and try again, you’re strengthening your voice.



Confidence is built one speech at a time.





Let's Be Positive!

Before you step onto the stage, engage in positive self-talk. Remind yourself of your preparation, your knowledge, and your worth. Confidence is as much a mindset as it is a skill.



Just Breathe

Remember body language and posture? Breathing is just as important.



Simple breathing techniques can help manage anxiety. Deep, slow breaths can be incredibly calming and help maintain your speaking pace. Try this before you go on stage and during any moments when you feel overwhelmed.



You got this!