When I first thought about launching a podcast, I wasn’t a confident speaker. In fact, the thought of public speaking made me feel sick. But I knew I wanted to connect with people like you and share my experiences with podcasting—and that meant facing my fear head-on.
That’s when I discovered Toastmasters, a public speaking group designed to help people build confidence step by step. Walking into my first meeting was nerve-wracking, but I’ll never forget the warm welcome I received. No one expected me to be perfect, and everyone was genuinely supportive. It was a relief to be in an environment where growth was celebrated and fear was understood. Toastmasters helped me realise that confidence isn’t something you magically have—it’s something you practice.
Over time, I worked my way up to my first speech: the “Icebreaker,” where I shared my personal story. Week by week, I learned practical skills like managing nerves and adding vocal variety. Slowly but surely, I started to find my voice. Those small wins at Toastmasters became the foundation of the confidence I needed to launch my podcast.
If you’re feeling nervous about speaking—whether it’s on a podcast or in public—here are some of the lessons I’ve learned that might help you:
- Start small: Don’t pressure yourself to speak for long periods or cover complicated topics. Talk about something simple and familiar first—it’s the easiest way to build confidence.
- Keep practicing: The more you speak, the less scary it becomes. Confidence grows with repetition, so keep showing up for yourself.
- Smile while you speak: It might sound strange, but smiling helps your voice sound warm and engaging. Even when no one can see you, your audience can hear the energy in your tone.
- Seek feedback: Constructive feedback is a gift. At Toastmasters, I learned how valuable it is to get honest input on what I could improve.
I won’t lie to you—I’m still a work in progress. I still find it hard to record solo podcast episodes without a script, and I struggle when interviews take an unexpected turn. But I’m learning to go with the flow, and I’m confident that these skills will improve with time.
Toastmasters gave me the courage to launch my podcast, connect with you, and build a business I truly love. If public speaking—or even just pressing record—feels daunting, know that you’re not alone. Take it one small step at a time, and your confidence will grow.
Want to learn more?
I talk about this topic in my latest episode of Podcasting for Business Owners. I’m joined by Gaye O’lochlen, my mentor at Toastmasters, to discuss the small steps that can help anyone build confidence for public speaking and podcasting. Listen to the episode here.
Take it one small step at a time—you’ve got this! And remember, I’m always here cheering you on.