The Synopsis
Public speaking is one of the most common fears people face, often ranking higher than the fear of death. In this episode of Always Be Connecting, TEDx speaker and personal development coach Trang Nova shares her journey and practical strategies for overcoming fear of public speaking. From childhood struggles to global stages, her story proves that confidence is not innate, it is built.
Why Public Speaking Feels So Scary
Trang explains that the fear of public speaking is tied to survival instincts. When standing in front of others, our brains activate the amygdala, which controls emotional responses. This is why people freeze, stumble, or feel overwhelmed when speaking.
At its core, the fear is about judgment and rejection. Even confident individuals may struggle when the spotlight is on them because the stakes suddenly feel higher.
Trang Nova’s Personal Journey
Growing up in Melbourne as the child of Vietnamese immigrants, Trang did not speak English at first and was often bullied at school. These experiences left her shy, withdrawn, and full of self-doubt.
Fast forward to today, and she is a TEDx speaker helping others find their voice. Her transformation came from hundreds of hours of practice, reviewing her own talks, and learning to embrace authenticity.
Practical Tips for Overcoming Fear of Public Speaking
Trang shares that anyone can learn and master speaking skills with the right tools. Here are some highlights:
1. Address the Root Cause
The first step is mindset. Instead of fearing rejection, remind yourself that for every critic, there are many more people who need to hear your story.
2. Use Body Language to Shift Confidence
Research shows that “power poses” can reduce stress and increase feelings of confidence within two minutes. Standing tall, keeping shoulders back, and making eye contact are simple but powerful techniques.
3. Find Role Models or Create an Alter Ego
From Beyoncé’s “Sasha Fierce” to her mentor Vinh Giang, Trang recommends borrowing traits from role models. Stepping into another persona can free you from limiting beliefs.
4. Refine Your Message
Confidence grows when you know exactly what you want to say. Trang highlights the importance of a clear elevator pitch, concise self-introduction, and storytelling that resonates.
Why Authenticity Matters
One of the strongest lessons Trang emphasises is to amplify your unique voice. Trying to copy others only leads to bland presentations. Instead, authenticity acts as a “pattern interrupt” that captures attention.
She encourages speakers to experiment, learn from failures, and use their stories, even the vulnerable ones, as the most inspiring part of their talks.
Final Thoughts
Overcoming fear of public speaking is not about eliminating nerves but about reframing them. With practice, mindset shifts, and authentic storytelling, anyone can build confidence on stage.
Trang Nova’s story shows that our voice is more powerful than we realise. By owning it, we not only grow as individuals but also inspire and connect with others in ways that truly matter.