how to crush your public speaking anxiety as a non-native English speaker
Public speaking is one of the scariest things for a lot of people. In fact, the vast majority of people experience crippling anxiety when public speaking — and that doesn’t even account for people like you who present in a foreign language. If that’s you, know you’re not alone! The good news is that you can absolutely crush your public speaking anxiety and shine on stage, no matter what.
Yes, public speaking can be quite intimidating, especially when you're worried about speaking in English. Your mind races, your palms sweat, and you start imagining all the things that could go wrong and all the words you could mispronounce. Enter your public speaking anxiety doom loop! But here’s the truth: you have the power to take that anxiety and fear and turn it into confidence and focus. With the right tools and a powerful mindset, you can learn to lessen your anxiety, speak in public with ease, and maybe even learn to enjoy it over time.
🏈 have a game plan
Think of public speaking like preparing for a big game. Would you ever expect the New England Patriots to run out onto the field without a game plan? Exactly. The more you practice, the more ready and adaptable you’ll be. Start by really getting to know your material. Don’t just memorize your speech — understand it. This way, if you forget a line or a word, you can still talk about your main points naturally. Your audience doesn’t know if you change your lines, so don’t be hard on yourself if you do.
Do you think the Pats worry about all the things that could go wrong or do you think they focus on bringing their A-game as they are about to play? As long as you know your material, you can react and adapt to what happens on the field, aka your stage, without losing sight of your key message.
If you’re worried about pronunciation or sounding ‘different’, practice with a friend or a coach. Record yourself, listen to it, and keep improving. Remember, your goal isn’t to be perfect — it’s to be clear and connect with your audience.
💨 breathe out your anxiety
When your nerves start to take over and your public speaking anxiety kicks in, one of the best things you can do is focus on your breathing. Deep breaths can calm your body and mind, making you feel more in control. Try the 4-4-6-2 method: breathe in for four seconds, hold for four seconds, exhale for six seconds, and hold for two. Repeat at least three times! It’s like a mini reset for your brain and your body.
Another neat trick is to visualize yourself nailing your speech. Close your eyes and imagine speaking confidently, with everyone listening and nodding along. When you see yourself succeeding in your mind, it becomes easier to make it happen in real life.
If this seems like a bit of a stretch for you at this point, ask yourself: why do you think you’re right in assuming everything will go wrong? For all your worst-case scenarios, think of one good one each to balance it out. See what it does to your public speaking anxiety!
🗣️ own your perspective
Here’s something cool: your voice and perspective are unique. Your accent, your way of thinking, and your experiences make you stand out in the best way. Instead of worrying about being different, celebrate it! People tend to love hearing from someone who brings a fresh perspective, as long as you confidently own it; and that includes your accent.
You think Brady was worried about his skills and questioned his experience and expertise when he joined the Buccaneers just because he’d played for the Pats for most of his career? You’re only out of bounds if you let your anxiety take you off the sideline.
Remember, the majority of your audience will be on your side. They want you to do well and are more forgiving than you might think. Those who aren’t favorable towards you, you don’t need to impress anyway. Focus on the people who are in your corner and what you’re sharing with them, not on the fear of making mistakes. The more you practice speaking, the more confident you’ll become.
Public speaking might seem scary now, but with practice and the right mindset, you can become an amazing speaker. Prepare like a champ, use breathing and visualization to stay calm, and embrace the unique voice that only you have. Every time you speak, you’re getting better and closer to crushing your crippling public speaking anxiety.
So, go ahead—take that first step. Your voice is important, and the world is ready to hear what you have to say. You’ve got this!
