For as long as I can remember, I dreaded the thought of speaking in front of a group of people. I’ve spent nearly 30 years working in the UK public sector, where giving presentations has always been a part of my job—but I found them incredibly difficult. In the weeks before an event, I would be consumed by anxiety, barely sleep the night before, and struggle through each talk.
I don’t feel that way anymore. That experience is why I want to help others move beyond speaking nerves.
To make a change, I had to be hopeful—to believe it was possible that I could become someone who spoke confidently. Secondly, I needed to be brave, because the only way to overcome a fear of public speaking is to do it. Finally, I had to learn to be compassionate towards myself—to take things slowly and not beat myself up when I faced setbacks.
I began saying yes to small speaking opportunities, even when they felt difficult. I dialled down the pre-event anxiety by learning how to put worrying thoughts aside. And each time I got up to speak, I developed my skills and confidence. I recorded details about each talk or presentation so I could look back and remind myself that they had gone well.
Over time, my brain and nervous system stopped treating public speaking as a danger, I lost the anxious feelings, and I began to look forward to the opportunity. It meant that I could connect with the audience and focus on my message. I also stopped wasting my time and energy worrying about public speaking, which opened up my career and life in new ways.
I know first hand how powerful it is to take action. That’s why I created this app: to guide you through the same process that changed my life. It uses the innovation of an AI coach alongside my insights, process and practical suggestions.
My hope is that this app helps you realise you don't have to be born with a special talent to speak in public - it's a skill that anyone can learn. The opportunities that open up, when fear no longer holds you back, are worth the effort it takes to get there.
