Fear of public speaking is more common than you think. In fact, it affects around 40% of the population — including many experienced professionals who give speeches and presentations regularly. If the thought of standing up in front of an audience makes your heart race, your mouth dry and your mind go blank, you are in very good company. And you can absolutely do something about it.
At Time to Market we have been helping people overcome their fear of public speaking since 2001. With the right training, the right techniques and the right support, you can replace that fear with confidence.
Read more: How to Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking With Confidence
Why Fear of Public Speaking Happens
The fear of public speaking — sometimes called glossophobia — is a perfectly natural response. Your brain interprets standing in front of an audience as a moment of judgement. That triggers adrenaline, a faster heartbeat and heightened self-consciousness. The result: nerves, anxiety and the overwhelming urge to avoid it altogether.
The problem is that avoidance makes it worse. Every time you turn down a speaking opportunity, the fear grows a little stronger. The good news is that the reverse is equally true — with the right training and gradual practice, every positive experience chips away at the fear until it no longer controls you.
You Are Not Alone
Others Fear Public Speaking
Some of the world's most accomplished speakers — politicians, CEOs, broadcasters — have experienced serious public speaking anxiety at some point in their careers. What separates them from those who remain stuck is not natural talent. It is training, preparation and practice.
It Becomes Manageable
The fear does not disappear overnight. But it does become manageable, and then it becomes something you can use. Those nerves? Channelled correctly, they sharpen your focus and give your delivery energy.
Read more: How You Can Overcome Stage Fright When Public Speaking
Less scary than we imagined. But we know how it's done now.
Retail ● Watford
How We Help You Overcome the Fear
Our Approach
Our approach is practical, encouraging and entirely focused on you. We do not throw you in at the deep end. We work with you at your pace, building your confidence step by step through technique, rehearsal and genuine speaking practice in a supportive environment.
Our Sessions
Every training session, coaching session and online course we offer is designed to give you the tools to manage your nerves and speak with growing confidence — whether you are preparing for a conference speech, a team presentation, a job interview or any other speaking occasion.
Your options include:
Checklist For Public Speaking Training
Includes: A one day public speaking training session with your own trainer. A business-oriented training venue in a city centre or easily accessible location. Or we train at your offices.
One-to-one Public Speaking CoachiNG
Work privately with an expert coach at your own pace. Ideal if you want focused, personalised support without the pressure of a group setting.
Public Speaking Skills Refresher
A half-day refresher session to rebuild your confidence before an upcoming speech or event.
Speech Rehearsal
Book a one or two hour rehearsal session. Get expert feedback on your delivery in a low-pressure environment before the real thing.
Corporate Public Speaking Training
For teams where fear or anxiety is holding back performance. Bespoke training tailored to your team's challenges.
Online Course: Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking
Learn in your own time with our dedicated online course. Start building your confidence today.
Online Course: Master the Public Speaking Basics
Build all the core public speaking skills that make nerves easier to manage.
Practical Tips to Start with Today
Techniques
While training delivers the most reliable and lasting results, there are techniques you can start using right now to manage your fear of public speaking.
Preparation
The most effective starting point is preparation. The more thoroughly you know your material, the less your nerves have to work with. Uncertainty feeds anxiety. Preparation starves it.
Breathing
Beyond preparation, techniques such as controlled breathing, positive visualisation and deliberate practice in low-stakes situations all help to reduce the physical symptoms of speaking anxiety over time.
We have put together a range of free resources to help you:
Take the First Step Today
Decisions...
The hardest part of overcoming a fear of public speaking is making the decision to do something about it. Once you have done that, the rest is a process — and it is one we have guided hundreds of people through successfully since 2001.
It Becomes Manageable
Whether you want one-to-one coaching, a group training course, a refresher session or an online course you can work through in your own time, we have a training solution that will suit you.
What Next?
View our training options and pricing here.
Or get in touch today for a free, no-obligation conversation about how we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fear of Public Speaking
Yes. Fear of public speaking is a learned response, which means it can be unlearned. With the right training, techniques and practice, the vast majority of people reduce their anxiety significantly and many eliminate it altogether. The key is to take action rather than avoid speaking opportunities.
It varies from person to person, but most people notice a significant improvement after just one training or coaching session. Lasting confidence builds with practice over time. Our one-day courses and coaching sessions are specifically designed to give you immediate, practical tools you can use straight away.
For people with significant speaking anxiety, one-to-one coaching is often the better starting point. It removes the pressure of a group environment and lets you work at your own pace with full attention from your coach. Once your confidence grows, a group course can be a valuable next step.
Yes. Our online course — Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking — lets you start building your skills and confidence in your own time and at your own pace, from wherever you are. It is a great first step before moving on to live coaching or a training course.
Contact Details
Please don't hesitate to get in touch for public speaking course advice.
Phone number
01344 859823
Email Address
training@timetomarket.co.uk
"I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning how to sail my ship"
Louisa May Alcott
