You have something to say. Then the thought of standing up, forgetting your words or being watched makes you want to disappear.
I know that feeling. My journey to the TEDx stage included an audition where I ended up on the floor.
This page brings together my TEDx talk on visibility and the practical things that helped me speak — even while I was scared.
How to speak when you’re terrified of public speaking
Watch the talk below, or download my free public speaking guide.
My TEDx talk explores our relationship with visibility: why we shrink, what that costs us and what becomes possible when we let ourselves be seen.
Public speaking brought that question very close to home for me.
I could hold women’s circles, lead groups and talk about things I cared about. But put the words “TEDx audition” around it, and suddenly speaking felt like something I couldn’t do.
Getting onto that stage meant finding ways to make the experience more familiar, reconnect with my message and give myself permission to speak before I felt completely ready.
What if the frightening part is being seen?
your time to shine
The real things that helped me go from the audition floor to standing on the TEDx stage — and actually enjoying it.
How to Speak When You’re Fucking Terrified:
Get the free guide:
This is a practical workbook you can use before a presentation, a talk or any moment when you need to stand up and say something that matters.
Inside, you’ll explore how to:
- Visualise the moment after your talk, instead of endlessly rehearsing what could go wrong.
- Decide what success means beyond delivering every word perfectly.
- Connect public speaking with situations where you already feel comfortable talking.
- Practise your words through rhythm, repetition and play.
- Build three clear speaking beats, with cues to help you find your way.
- Bring your attention back to the people in the room.
You’ll finish with your own speaking card and a five-minute check to use before you begin.
Speak to one person at a time
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Choose the three things that matter most
2
Picture yourself after it’s finished
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Three things to try before your next talk
try this
Imagine the first ten seconds after you’ve spoken. What are you proud of? What did you manage to say? Give yourself a picture of completing the experience.
Write down the ideas you want your audience to leave with. Give each one a picture or a short cue, so you have somewhere to go if an exact sentence disappears.
Look at a real person. Share an idea with them. Then connect with someone else. Give yourself people to talk to, rather than a crowd to perform at.
I’m Jennifer Channer, TEDx speaker and founder of Liberty Photography.
My work explores visibility through photography, speaking and the moments when we decide to stop shrinking.
About Jennifer Channer
The stage doesn’t have to stop being scary before you step onto it.
walk yourself into the unkown
Sometimes the stage is where the confidence gets built.
Planning an event and looking for a speaker on visibility, authenticity and the courage to be seen?
— Laura Kay, Hampshire Flags
"It was my favourite talk of the day, the one that has stuck with me most.
Am I willing to be seen, before I know the outcome? "
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— Laura Kay
"The whole talk really stood out and made me think. Am I too scared to take a risk, the answer is probably yes. But I don't want that to be the case."
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— Laura Kay
'"So I am going to slowly but surely, make scary changes in life and take those risks to move towards the future I am aiming for. "
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