When the Spotlight Feels Too Bright: Lessons from My Public Speaking Fumbles

We’ve all been there – the moment your name is called, the microphone appears, and your heart starts doing jumping jacks in your chest. I’ve had my fair share of those moments, and let’s just say, I’ve learned most of my public speaking lessons the hard way.

A Lesson from the Hottest Presentation of My Life

One unforgettable time, I was the grants chair for a nonprofit and had the honor of announcing the grant recipients at a ceremony. As I stood at the podium, the heat of the moment became a little too literal – I had a massive hot flash. My face was dripping, and I could feel beads of sweat running down my neck.

Instead of pausing and making a lighthearted comment (which probably would have earned a laugh and empathy from half the women in the audience), I powered through as if nothing was happening. We had a professional photographer there, and, let’s just say, none of those photos made it into the organization’s promotional materials.

Later, after I had toweled off in the bathroom, a few recipients even asked to retake the photo with me. I learned a big lesson that day: sometimes the best way to handle an embarrassing moment is to acknowledge it, laugh with your audience, and keep going. Pretending nothing’s wrong just makes it worse (and sweatier).

Shaking Hands and Shaky Confidence

Another time, I was asked to serve on a panel of nonprofit leaders. The setup was modest – a long table facing the audience, one microphone being passed between us. I was nervous for several reasons: my organization was all-volunteer, so I knew I wouldn’t be able to answer questions about managing employees and I had no idea what questions they would be asking. As soon as I got the microphone, my hand started trembling. I was actually shocked that my hand was betraying me like that.

That visible shaking made me even more self-conscious, and then my brain betrayed me. I lost my more advanced vocabulary. My words felt stuck in the fog of nerves, and all of the above sent me deeper into a nervous spiral. I definitely felt like an imposter among more seasoned leaders. Looking back, I did belong there, but I let fear convince me otherwise.

I have found that when I took the time to prepare – to write, practice, and rehearse – I’ve spoken with confidence and even enjoyed it. So here are a few lessons I’ve learned that might help you, too.

Five Ways to Turn Stage Fright into Stage Strength

1. Preparation is Your Best Friend.
   Write and rehearse your remarks ahead of time. The more familiar you are with your message, the less brain space fear takes up. Even jotting down bullet points can help anchor you. If someone will be asking you questions, ask to get the questions ahead of time, so you can be thoughtful about your responses.

2. Reframe the Spotlight.
   Remember, you’re not being judged, you’re being heard. Your audience wants you to succeed. They’re rooting for you. Shift your focus from “How am I doing?” to “How can I serve them?”

3. Laugh at Yourself (Before They Do).
   Humor instantly breaks tension – yours and theirs. If something goes wrong, acknowledge it with grace. The audience will remember your composure more than your stumble.

4. Power Posing and Grounding Techniques.
   Before your turn to speak, take a few deep breaths, plant your feet firmly, and drop your shoulders. If you have a private moment, try the Superman pose with your hands on your hips, chest open, head high (like I did once in a bathroom stall before a very important speech). It may sound silly, but it works. Studies show it reduces stress and boosts confidence.
   
   And remind yourself quietly: “I have something valuable to share.”

5. Reflect – Don’t Regret.
   Every awkward moment, forgotten word, or sweaty forehead is just another story that will one day help someone else. Growth comes from reflection, not perfection. Many of us have been there. Welcome to the club!

Public speaking doesn’t come easily for most people, but it’s a skill that grows every time you step up to the microphone. Whether you’re representing your nonprofit, pitching a project, or introducing a program, confidence comes from showing up, not from being flawless. I’ve come to believe that when something makes me nervous (but it isn’t dangerous to me or others), it’s often a sign that I should do it. Those are the moments that help me grow the most.

So next time you feel the spotlight getting too hot, take a deep breath, strike your Superman pose (I’ll be doing the same), and remember: you’ve got this. 💪

Until next time, keep leading with passion and purpose. 💌
Have a question or want to share your thoughts? Email me at [email protected]. I’d love to hear from you.