What happens when fear of public speaking controls your career — and what’s possible when it doesn’t?
🌿 When Public Speaking Felt Like a Threat
There was a time when being asked to speak at an all-hands meeting felt like a threat, not an opportunity.
Years ago, I was asked to share an update at a company-wide meeting. I didn’t just hesitate — I panicked.
My response was immediate:
“If you make me do that, I’ll quit.”
Not because I didn’t care.
But because I was terrified.
🌿 This is what fear looks like.
Every time I imagined speaking in front of people, my mind would freeze. My accent would thicken. My hands would turn into faucets. My voice — the very thing I used to lead teams and collaborate — felt like a liability the moment I stepped into the spotlight.
So I avoided public speaking for most of my career.
I stayed behind the scenes and let others take the mic.
But recently, I decided enough was enough.
I set a goal: to face this fear.
I signed up for a public speaking program — not to become a star speaker, but to stop running.
🌿 What I Learned Surprised Me
It didn’t teach me how to “fix” myself.
It showed me what I was already good at.
My presence.
My clarity.
My calm, steady voice.
I didn’t need to perform. I just needed to speak from what mattered.
🌿 The Power of Speaking From the Heart
Because when you speak from your heart — from what you care about — you show up differently.
People connect. They listen.
You’re there to serve the audience, not to impress them.
🌿 A New Response
A few weeks ago, someone asked if I’d speak in front of 500 people — the entire staff.
I paused for a few seconds.
Then I said:
“Sure, why not?”
Not because the fear was gone — but because it no longer ran the show.
🌿 Paying It Forward
I'm now paying it forward. Today, I had a conversation with a potential client who’s ready to create her Signature Talk — something bold and clear to own her niche at the intersection of Marketing and AI leadership.
Here are the three areas we’ll be partnering on:
- How to own a room
Not by being flashy or loud — but by being grounded, present, and intentional. Owning a room doesn’t mean taking up space with noise. It means knowing who you are, standing in your message, and making space for others to lean in.
- How to build and sustain meaningful relationships
Great speakers aren’t just performers - they’re connectors. Building trust takes patience, emotional investment, and active listening — the kind that allows you to truly see from someone else’s perspective. Real connection is built moment by moment, conversation by conversation.
- How to tell compelling, plain-spoken stories
Because storytelling is where influence begins. We’ll shape messages that are clear, human, and relatable — not over-polished or packed with jargon. I’ve learned that clear beats clever every time, and accessibility builds trust.
One of the storytelling frameworks I’ll likely use with her — because there are others — is the same one I’ve been practicing preparing for my own TED Talk.
It’s a simple five-part arc:
- External event
- Internal turning point
- Insight
- Transformation
- Universal truth
A structure that helps turn real experiences into clear, relatable narratives that land with impact.
This is the kind of work I once avoided — and now it’s the kind of work I love.
💡 A reflection for you:
What story have you been telling yourself about your voice — and is it still true?
If this resonated with you and you’re wondering how to empower your voice — I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to message me (janet@janet.kim.)
Are You Truly Heard, Seen, and Valued at Work?
Feeling like your contributions aren’t fully recognized? This quick self-audit will help you assess where you stand, uncover hidden gaps, and identify the key steps to increase your influence, get noticed, and advance your career.. Answer these 10 questions honestly, and use your insights to take actionable steps toward greater visibility, influence, and recognition.