Have you ever found yourself shaking with nerves before a presentation, convinced that if you mess up, it’ll be the end of the world? You’re not alone. The fear of public speaking is one of the most common fears, and it’s often fuelled by a sense of high stakes—whether it’s losing a client, missing a promotion, or even jeopardising your career.

Imagine standing in front of a narrow platform which is lying flat on the ground. You step onto it, walk across, and return. How do you feel? Confident? Secure? If you fall off, you can simply step back on and continue—no harm done. The task seems simple because the consequences are low.

Now, visualise that same platform, but this time, it’s at waist height. You approach it, and begin to cross the beam but this time, knowing that the floor is farther away. Walking across still feels doable, but there’s a bit of hesitation, right? Falling might hurt, but it won’t be catastrophic. Did you notice a shift in how your body and mind responded? There’s a little more tension.

Next, picture the platform at ceiling height. The drop below is intimidating, and the risk of injury feels much higher. As you walk across, you feel your heart race and your mind race with thoughts of falling. Now the stakes seem much greater, don’t they?

Lastly, envision it stretching over a raging river. The water crashes over rocks below; falling would mean certain death. How do you feel now? You’re probably feeling a deep sense of urgency, maybe even panic. Would you rush across, trying to get to the other side as quickly as possible? You’d likely feel tense, unsure, and overwhelmed.

The Power of Perception in Public Speaking

The difference in these exercises is all in your mind. The actual skill of walking across the beam is the same in each case: one step at a time. The only thing that changes is the perceived consequence of falling. In the first scenario, it’s no big deal. In the last, the stakes are life and death.

This is exactly how many speakers approach public speaking or their business presentations. The skill of presenting is the same, whether it’s a casual chat with colleagues or an important pitch to a potential client. What makes it feel more intimidating is the fear of what could go wrong—whether it’s losing a deal, missing a promotion, or even jeopardising your career. These fears can paralyse us, much like the imagined fall from a high beam.

How to Tackle Your Fear One Step at a Time

The good news? Public speaking doesn’t need to be about avoiding failure. It’s about embracing opportunities for growth. Every time you step out of your comfort zone, you gain new skills and confidence. And just like walking across the beam, the skill of presenting is built on one small step at a time.

Here are a few tips to help you approach your next presentation with confidence, no matter the stakes:

• Practice, practice, practice. The more you prepare, the more you can take the risk of ‘falling’ out of the equation. The more familiar the material, the less likely you are to feel flustered in the moment.
• Focus on your message, not yourself. Shifting your attention to the value of your presentation reduces self-consciousness. Remember, the audience is there for what you’re offering, not to critique your every word.
• Embrace mistakes. Every speaker stumbles—what matters is how you recover and keep going. A small slip-up doesn’t define you; it’s how you handle it that leaves a lasting impression.

What to Do When the Stakes Feel High

Just like the beam over the raging river, sometimes the stakes in a presentation can feel incredibly high. But even then, remember—you’re still using the same skills. Whether you’re presenting to a small group or speaking in front of hundreds, the process is the same: step by step, focusing on the message, and embracing the journey. The more you practice in lower-risk situations, the better you’ll manage your nerves in those high-stakes moments.

Take Sarah, one of our clients at The Occasional Speaker. She once feared that a single misstep in a presentation could derail her career. But after a few sessions of guided coaching, she learned how to manage her anxiety and speak with confidence. Today, she’s leading company-wide presentations without breaking a sweat.

Ready to Take the Leap?

The fear of public speaking doesn’t have to hold you back. Whether it’s the pressure of a high-stakes presentation or just the nerves that come with speaking in front of others, remember this: it’s all the same skill—one step at a time. And you have what it takes to succeed.

If you’re ready to take control of your fear and step confidently onto any stage, let us help. Reach out today to discover how The Occasional Speaker can guide you in building the skills and mindset to tackle any presentation—no matter how high the stakes.