Myth Busters: Public Speaking Edition

Have you ever felt a pang of anxiety at the thought of speaking in front of a crowd? 

Maybe you’ve replayed a bit of advice that made it sound even scarier like “Don’t mess up,” “Stand perfectly still,” or “Fake it till you make it.” If you’re nodding right now, trust me, you’re in good company.

Public speaking has a way of shining a light on all our insecurities. But it’s also one of the most powerful tools you’ll ever use to connect, inspire, and lead. When done with authenticity and intention, it becomes less about “performing” and more about sharing something meaningful: your story, your lessons, your voice.

So today, we are going to do a little public speaking myth-busting. 

Below are some of the most common misconceptions about speaking in public and the truths that will help you step on stage with confidence.

Myth 1: Public Speaking is an Innate Talent

Reality: Nope. It’s a skill that you can absolutely learn.

Sure, some people seem to have a natural ease on stage, but here’s the secret: even the “naturals” are practicing behind the scenes. They study cadence, presence, and storytelling the same way musicians practice scales or athletes train muscle memory.

Public speaking is a discipline, not a birthright. Like learning to play an instrument, it gets better with guidance, repetition, and the willingness to keep showing up. So if you’ve ever told yourself, “I’m just not a speaker,” go ahead and cross that thought off your list. You can learn this, and you can get really good at it.

Myth 2: The Audience is Your Enemy

Reality: The audience is your ally. They want you to succeed.

It’s easy to imagine the audience as a panel of judges waiting for you to stumble, but the truth is the opposite. People come to hear you talk because they’re curious, hopeful, and open. They want to learn something new or feel something real.

Your audience isn’t looking for perfection; they’re looking for connection. When you speak from the heart, even if your voice shakes, you’re giving them something far more powerful than a flawless performance: you.

Myth 3: A Good Speaker Never Gets Nervous

Reality: Everyone gets nervous. The difference is in how they manage it.

That rush of adrenaline before you step up to speak? It’s your body preparing to do something important. Your brain doesn’t know the difference between fear and excitement. It only knows your interpretation of that energy. 

When you learn to reframe nerves as excitement, that same jittery feeling becomes your superpower. It sharpens your focus, lifts your energy, and reminds you that what you’re about to say matters. Every great speaker gets butterflies; they’ve just taught theirs to fly in formation. 

Myth 4: Memorizing Your Speech is the Best Approach

Reality: Master the message, not the script.

Memorizing your talk word-for-word might seem safe, but it often backfires. You risk sounding stiff, rehearsed, or worse, blanking out when one line slips. Instead, aim to know your material inside and out. Understand your key points, your transitions, and your emotional beats.

Use outlines, cue cards, or a printed version of your speech if it helps. Even the President uses a teleprompter, and so do many TED speakers. What matters most is that you sound like you: present, confident, and conversational.

Myth 5: Visuals are Unnecessary if You’re a Good Speaker

Reality: Great visuals can really make your message stick.

Slides, props, or even short videos aren’t crutches. They’re storytelling tools. When used intentionally, visuals create connection, deepen understanding, and help your message linger long after you’ve stepped off stage.

The key is alignment. Your visuals should support your story, not compete with it. A single photo, quote, or image can sometimes say what a thousand words can’t, especially when paired with your voice.

Myth 6: You Need to Sound Like Everyone Else

Reality: Your voice is your power to use in your own way.

One of the most common mistakes new speakers make is trying to imitate someone else. Maybe they watched a TED Talk and thought, I need to sound like her. But the truth? The most unforgettable speakers don’t sound alike, they sound authentic.

Whether your voice is soft or booming, whether you pace slowly or talk with your hands, your unique rhythm and tone are part of what make your story memorable. Your audience doesn’t want another polished clone, they want you.

Myth 7: Mistakes Ruin a Presentation

Reality: Mistakes make you human, and audiences love humans.

You’ll lose your place, mispronounce a word, or drop your notes at some point. It happens to everyone. What matters is how you recover. A quick laugh, a breath, and a smooth pivot not only keep the energy flowing but often deepen the connection with your audience.

People don’t remember small slip-ups. They remember authenticity, presence, and heart. When you show you can handle imperfection with grace, you become relatable and model confidence in real time.

Remember: Progress and Connection, Not Perfection

There you have it seven myths about public speaking that you can confidently toss out the window. Remember: public speaking is about being the speaker, and the person, you are in the moment. Even Tony Robbins started out as a beginner. But he never gave up and continued to grow into the speaker he has become. 

Every time you speak, you have a chance to grow, to move someone, inspire them, or make them feel seen. And that’s a pretty powerful thing to be able to do.

If you’re ready to take your speaking skills to the next level, I’d love to help you get there.

Book a free discovery call and let’s uncover what’s been holding you back, strengthen your confidence, and unlock the power of your voice.