Youtube | Spotify | Send a voice note
*Please note: The following post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We recommend products/services we personally use and believe will benefit you.
Public speaking anxiety is one of the most common fears in the world. The thought of standing in front of an audience and speaking your mind can feel overwhelming, especially for introverts or those who worry about their accent or how they’ll be perceived.
What if you could overcome that anxiety and actually use public speaking to build your coaching authority?
That’s exactly what Waqas did.
In this episode of Coaching with Impact, I sat down with Waqas, a public speaking coach who once feared public speaking so much that he would freeze on stage. Today, he confidently shares his story and coaches’ others to overcome their fears.
Breaking Down the Fear of Public Speaking
One of the biggest myths about public speaking is that it’s a talent you’re born with. Waqas reminds us that it’s actually a skill, one that can be learned and perfected over time.
The first step? Uncovering the limiting beliefs that hold you back.
Some common beliefs include:
- Public speaking is only for naturally outgoing people.
- My accent makes me less credible.
- If I make a mistake, I’ll lose my audience’s respect.
By addressing these internal narratives, you can start to replace fear with confidence.
The Science of Storytelling
Waqas also shared a fascinating insight about storytelling. Sharing a personal, vulnerable story can release oxytocin—the “bonding hormone”, in your audience, making them feel more connected to you. Rather than striving for perfection, focus on authenticity. Audiences resonate with real human stories, not flawless performances.
Turning Anxiety into Your Superpower
Not all anxiety is bad. Waqas highlights the difference between negative anxiety (caused by limiting beliefs) and good anxiety (a natural response to something important). The key is to channel that energy positively, using it to enhance your presence and engagement rather than hold you back.
Practical Tips to Improve Public Speaking
If you’re just starting your public speaking journey, here are some of Waqas’s top tips:
- Start small: Practice speaking in safe environments before moving to larger audiences.
- Embrace your accent: It’s part of your unique voice and story.
- Share your struggles: Being open about your journey helps you connect with your audience.
- Take it one step at a time: Build your confidence gradually.
Overcoming the Fear of Failure
One of the most powerful lessons from Waqas’s story is that mistakes are part of the journey. Instead of fearing failure, embrace it as a learning opportunity. The more you practice, the less intimidating public speaking becomes.
About Waqas
Waqas is a public speaking coach who specializes in helping individuals overcome social anxiety and build confidence in public speaking. Originally from Pakistan, he moved to the U.S. in 2019 for his PhD in engineering. His journey into public speaking began after a challenging experience during a cultural event, which motivated him to transform his fear into a powerful tool for communication.
Waqas primarily focuses on addressing the mindset and limiting beliefs that cause anxiety. He emphasizes that public speaking is a skill that can be developed, not a talent you are born with. Through his coaching, Waqas has helped many individuals find their voice, share their stories, and build authentic connections with their audiences.
Freebie
You can follow Waqas on LinkedIn, where he shares valuable tips on public speaking and overcoming social anxiety. He also offers a free 1-1 Zoom consultation to help you find the root cause behind your social and public speaking anxiety and strategies to overcome it.
