Public Speaking

Sophie Williamson andPublic Speaking - I never thought it would be for me

In 2025 I faced my biggest fear! Public speaking. If you had said to me 10 years ago, one day I'd be stood on a stage with a sea of faces staring at me, listening intently to my every word, I'd have passed out.

I have always struggled with speaking to more than one person, to the point my tongue would feel like it was glued to the roof of my mouth. Then I would overthink everything and what people might think about how I've presented myself.

I would have had a few glasses of wine as a coping mechanism/masking anxiety to be able to be in social situations in my 20s. But once I became a parent I didn't want to do that, which led to me withdrawing from anything too social.

Its taken a few years of inner work and learning to be confident in my actual work to get to the point of just thinking fuck it. Is it that deep what others think of me. Probably not.

Turns out the reception I have had has been overall a positive experience. I've taken any feedback onboard so I can improve going forward, its not that personal or at least you don't have to make it personal. Its still a work in progress, and something that is a learnt skill. But once you are able to get through the block in your mind ( and in my case the shaking and sweaty palms) then it gets so much easier from there. I have found a lot of opportunities have opened up and I dont find myself awake every night the week before.