How I Became Fearless

Twenty years ago I discovered I had a seemingly irrational fear of public speaking. The symptoms, only a fraction of which are described above, are excruciating. They make you want to avoid public speaking at all costs, which is exactly what I did for many years. But unless you are living in a cave, you eventually get cornered. At work, at a friend’s wedding, at an awards banquet…you name it.

The older I got and the more responsibility I took on at work, the more often I was cornered. I finally decided to do something about it. It was quite a roller coaster ride, but I was determined to get over this fear. Ever so slowly, it got just a little bit easier.

One day as I was giving a speech to my Toastmasters group, I realized that for just a moment I was enjoying myself. I could not believe it! All I dreamed of doing was giving a business presentation or speech with some dignity – I never imagined it could be fun. That changed everything. I began pursuing speaking with a passion.

Today, I am a professional speaker and I find every moment on the stage absolutely exhilarating. But even more exciting is the work I do to help others become fearless, too. Nothing makes me feel as valuable and worthy as to help someone find their voice, confidence, and freedom.