Turning Public Speaking Fear into Strength: Practical Steps for Confidence and Clarity (VIDEO)
Public speaking is not a performance or drama. It is a skill we build, refine and practice.
In today’s interconnected world, the ability to speak confidently is no longer optional. Whether in hybrid meetings, policy discussions, online panels, classroom presentations or media interviews, effective speaking underpins how we advocate ideas, shape debate and foster trust. For organisations, institutions and professionals across Europe, clear communication enhances legitimacy, supports democratic engagement and strengthens public understanding. At the same time, as digital transformation and AI reshape how we work and interact, human presence and voice become even more essential.
Yet despite this increased need, many still hesitate to speak publicly - not because they lack expertise, but because of fear. These barriers affect leaders, professionals, young professionals and students alike.
In this video, Bojan Kordalov, Director of Policy and Communications at the European Centre of Excellence (ECE Brussels) and Senior EU expert in strategic communication, EU visibility, digital transformation and AI literacy — shares practical steps for transforming fear into a structured approach that builds confidence and communicative impact.
Understanding the Roots of Public Speaking Fear
Public speaking fear is one of the most common anxieties across cultures and professional sectors. Its root causes tend to fall into three interconnected areas:
Fear of Judgement - We often worry about how others will evaluate our competence, appearance and credibility. Instead of focusing on the message we want to deliver, our attention shifts to imagined audience “bad” reactions.
Fear of “Idols” or Influential Observers - Many people wonder: What will someone I admire think of my speech or how would that person deliver it on my place? This internal evaluation amplifies pressure, erodes confidence and shifts focus away from clear communication.
Perfectionism - Attempting to speak perfectly often leads to paralysis. This perfection-driven mindset creates anxiety, slows thought processes and undermines the natural flow of speaking.
Recognising these fears does not make them vanish, but it allows us to approach public speaking with self-awareness and structure. From here, confidence becomes a practical outcome instead of not an abstract ideal.
Three Practical Tools to Build Speaking Confidence
Prepare with Clarity and Purpose
Headline: Define the one sentence you want your audience to remember.
Soundbite: Craft short, vivid phrases that echo your core message.
This model helps speakers stay focused on what matters most, reduces distraction by fear and ensures clarity of purpose. When you know your headline and soundbite, you anchor your communication around a clear message.
2. Find a Secure Focal Point
Fear grows when attention wanders. Instead of scanning the room or worrying about faces, choose a secure spot - such as a friendly face, the camera lens, or a visual anchor - to stabilise your focus. This point becomes your centre of calm and helps you maintain rhythm, eye contact and message delivery without internal interruption.
3. Relax, Enjoy and Own the Moment
Public speaking is an interaction, not a test. Embrace the moment, enjoy the exchange between speaker and audience, and treat attention as an opportunity rather than a threat.
Train your mindset to see the audience as collaborators in understanding your message. Relax your posture, regulate your breath and remind yourself that you love the camera and the attention.
Why It Matters for Europe Today
EU is navigating a complex agenda shaped by digital transformation, AI governance, regulatory frameworks and democratic expectations. Communication (including public speaking) is the thread that connects policy to people. It transforms technical decisions into understandable outcomes and fosters trust between institutions and citizens.
At ECE Brussels, we support professionals, institutions and civil society actors to strengthen strategic communication, improve EU visibility, and foster digital and AI literacy across Europe. Confident speaking is not just an individual skill, but it is a civic asset.
About the Author: Bojan Kordalov is Director of Policy and Communications at the European Centre of Excellence (ECE Brussels) and a Senior EU expert in strategic communication, EU visibility, digital transformation and AI literacy. Through workshops, organisational support and public content, he helps professionals and institutions communicate with confidence, clarity and purpose.
