Overcoming Fear of Public Speaking as an Introvert: My Journey to Growth

Overcoming fear of public speaking as an introvert is a journey I never imagined I’d embark on. Speaking to a group of professionals felt impossible for someone like me, who has always preferred working behind the scenes. But this year, I faced my fears and presented on ‘The New Digital Frontier in Communications for Regulatory Entities’ fat the 19th annual Organisation of Caribbean Utility Regulators (OOCUR) in Paramaribo, Suriname. I’m sharing this story because overcoming public speaking fears taught me a valuable lesson: sometimes, you just have to do it afraid.

Overcoming Childhood Fears

As a child, I was terrified of the spotlight. I remember being chosen to sing lead in the children’s choir, but I was so nervous that my voice completely froze. It was only after hearing the introduction played twice that I managed to look down and sing. That fear stayed with me, and even as an adult, the idea of being a soloist was daunting and I only did so once. I always felt more comfortable as part of a team, where I could blend in rather than stand out.

So when my Director asked me to submit an extract for a conference presentation, I thought she was surely mistaken. But, somewhat reluctantly, I sent it in, convinced I wouldn’t be selected. I was wrong. And once I realized I was chosen, excitement mixed with my fear as I faced the challenge of representing my organization on an international stage.

Arriving in Suriname

The journey to Suriname was a long one, and I spent the first day catching up on rest. Although I didn’t know much about Suriname, I quickly realized it was a beautiful country with well-preserved architecture from its Dutch colonial past. My colleague Naomi and I took a stroll to do a little early exploration.

At the meet-and-greet, I found myself surrounded by Directors-General, engineers, IT specialists, and seasoned professionals in utility regulation. Initially, I felt out of place. With only three years of experience in the field, I wondered if I was equipped to be there. But my colleague Colleen provided a comforting presence, and soon enough, I found myself feeling integrated. One colleague from Trinidad even recognized my work, which was surreal. Knowing that someone from another country had seen the impact of our social media efforts and podcast meant more to me than I could have imagined.

Facing the Presentation Day

The first day of the conference went by in a blur of learning sessions on the future of technology and utility regulation. Rather than attending the evening party, I chose to review my presentation, making sure I was prepared.

The next day came quickly. Dressed in my red suit, I walked up to the podium to deliver my presentation. But as I looked at the screen, I realized they had loaded an earlier draft of my slides—not the final version I had meticulously rehearsed. My heart raced, and my mouth went dry. But instead of panicking, I began speaking, focusing on the professionals in front of me. I could see that they were engaged, and I reminded myself that I had prepared for this.

Overcoming my fear of public speaking wasn’t easy, but as I answered questions from respected professionals, I felt my confidence grow. By the end of my presentation, I felt a sense of relief and accomplishment that I had never anticipated.

Learning to Do It Afraid

This experience was one of the most terrifying things I’ve ever done, but it was also one of the most rewarding. Facing my fears taught me that growth doesn’t happen without courage. We don’t grow by staying comfortable—we grow by pushing through fear, sleepless nights, and self-doubt.

For anyone who might be scared to step into the unknown, let me encourage you: overcoming your fear of public speaking or any other fear is possible. Sometimes, it takes a gentle push from someone who believes in you to get started, but take the leap. Even if you don’t succeed, the journey itself will make you stronger, and the lessons you learn will be invaluable.

So, embrace the fear. Show up with all your anxieties and self-doubt. It will be worth it, and if you stumble, try again. Growth is on the other side of fear.

XOXO