29% of Americans fear public speaking. For many, getting up and talking in front of people isn’t a common occurrence. But for salespeople, public speaking is a vital part of their job.

“When you work in sales, no business skill is more essential than effective communication,” Terri L. Sjodin.

But for sellers who struggle with public speaking, presenting in front of others can be debilitating. This means missing out on opportunities to connect, educate and ultimately, close sales. 

But with practice, training and an adjusted mindset, there are ways to overcome this fear.

How can sellers get more comfortable with public speaking? 

First, sellers can adjust how they approach the idea of public speaking. Think of it as an opportunity rather than something you “have” to do.

For sellers, it is a chance to connect with others, whether they’re potential clients, current customers, or colleagues.

“It’s not just about delivering a polished speech,” Siodin adds.

“It’s about engaging your audience, building trust, and driving action.”

You have the power to influence others, build credibility and affect outcomes. And every speaking engagement can be valuable. No matter the size of the audience, salespeople need to appreciate each opportunity that comes their way.

Thinking of public speaking in this way can help prepare you to be more comfortable. Start looking at public speaking as a gift rather than a dreaded chore; you’ll find this mindset will be more receptive to training and practice.

For more tips on prepping your mindset for public speaking, take a look at these tips.

Build confidence with knowledge

Now that your mentally ready for a new approach, the next step is to work on your confidence. One way to do this is to ensure you are an absolute expert on your speaking topic.

You must have a strong understanding of who is in your audience and how your topic relates to them. This will involve some research. Learn as much as you can about those you’re presenting to, including what compels them.

“People think that being a good speaker means being funny or glib,” says David Lavin of the Lavin Agency.

“But that’s wrong. The best speakers are compelling.”

Take time to do some quality research into your audience, as well as any other related factors. Are you pitching? Then know their pain points. Giving a speech at a networking event? Find common issues that are impacting attendees. Preparation pays off.

Feeling confident in what you’re sharing naturally will help quell unease. You’ll find that the more comfortable you are with the topic, the more comfortable you’ll be presenting it.

Practice

One of the best ways to become more comfortable with public speaking is to practice. As the professionals at Endeavor Speech point out, you must run through what you will say and how you will say it.

“Rehearse your presentation multiple times, focusing on both your verbal and non-​verbal communication.”

You may find it helpful to record yourself. While uncomfortable at first, it can be helpful to pick up on any opportunities for improvement.

Role-​playing is another way to build confidence. Acting out, especially question-​and-​answer sessions, can help you feel more relaxed and ready for the real thing.

Work on your nerves

Along with an adjusted mindset and boosted confidence, getting a handle on your physical nerves can help. There are several techniques that will help soothe anxiety and keep you calm and collected.

“It’s natural to feel nervous before a presentation, but it’s important to manage those nerves effectively,” Endeavor Speech writes.

“Techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, and positive self-​talk can help calm your anxiety and boost your confidence.”

In this Manage Smarter podcast episode, Dr. Kathy Gruver discusses the importance of mindful breathing and how it combats stress. Listen to her guidance and try out her easy breathing exercise to soothe nerves.

Public speaking doesn’t have to be scary. By preparing well, working on your mindset, and calming your anxiety, you can tackle any speaking engagement. And for more tips to improve your public-​speaking skills, consider these additional suggestions.  

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